Milana Vayntrub, a former spokesperson for AT&T, has successfully raised over $500,000 through her initiative, Only Philanthropy, aimed at supporting victims of California’s recent wildfires. The actress, known for her role as “Lily” in AT&T commercials, announced her fundraising achievement on September 26, 2023, highlighting the unique approach she took to support those in need.
Innovative Fundraising Approach
Vayntrub, 38, described her project as a blend of creativity and compassion, stating that it became “the best thing I’ve ever been part of.” The idea emerged after witnessing the devastation caused by the wildfires, which led her to consider how she could mobilize resources to help affected individuals. She turned to a fundraising model inspired by the adult content platform OnlyFans, offering “flirty and tastefully risqué” photos in exchange for donations.
In her initial campaign, Vayntrub collaborated with Bridget Bradley, a single mother who lost her home in the Eaton wildfire in January. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe, attracted significant attention, raising $170,000 within four days. This support helped Bradley cover essential expenses such as housing, medical costs, and transportation for her family, which includes a son with Cerebral Palsy.
Building Momentum with Community Support
Vayntrub’s innovative approach involved trading exclusive digital content for donations, with her website stating, “Only Philanthropy trades exclusive content for real-world impact.” After the success of her first initiative, she launched a second fundraising project during the summer, raising an impressive $350,000 in just one week. This money was directed to My Tribe Rise, an organization based in Altadena that supports elderly, disabled, and under-insured individuals in rebuilding their lives.
In total, her two campaigns attracted approximately 3,500 donors, who contributed an average of $120 each. The model proved efficient, requiring minimal work from creators while delivering significant relief to those impacted by the wildfires.
Looking ahead, Vayntrub plans to expand the scope of Only Philanthropy to address a variety of urgent causes, including justice reform, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate resilience. “We’ve raised over half a million dollars together this year. Now let’s grow this into something bigger, stranger, more powerful, with more creators jumping in,” she stated.
The platform operates on a tiered donation system, with each increasing level offering more exclusive content. Notably, a donation of $1,000 grants supporters the chance to receive a signed Polaroid from Vayntrub’s photoshoot. To protect the integrity of the project, the digital images sent to donors are watermarked with their email addresses to prevent unauthorized sharing.
Milana Vayntrub’s unique fundraising strategy not only highlights the potential of creative philanthropy but also showcases how social media can be harnessed for meaningful impact in times of crisis. Her efforts serve as a reminder of the power of community and innovation in addressing urgent needs.
