Milana Vayntrub, the former AT&T spokeswoman, has successfully raised over $500,000 by selling “tastefully risqué” photographs to aid victims of the recent wildfires in California. The actress, recognized for her role as “Lily” in AT&T commercials, launched her initiative, dubbed Only Philanthropy, to support those affected by the devastating blazes.
Vayntrub revealed on social media that she surpassed the $500,000 mark, describing the project as “the best thing I’ve ever been part of.” She clarified that her motivation stemmed from witnessing the urgent financial needs of wildfire victims. “After the LA fires this year, I saw that what people really needed was some cash,” Vayntrub wrote on Instagram, expressing her desire to collaborate with donors for a meaningful cause.
The unique fundraising method involved offering supporters “flirty and tastefully risqué” photos in exchange for donations. Vayntrub emphasized that nudity would not be part of the project. She initiated this venture to support a GoFundMe campaign set up by Bridget Bradley, a single mother who lost her home in the Eaton wildfire earlier this year. The initial fundraising effort raised $170,000 within four days, providing crucial assistance to Bradley and her three children, including a son with Cerebral Palsy.
Innovative Fundraising Strategy
“Only Philanthropy trades exclusive content for real-world impact,” the organization’s website states. The initiative seeks to quickly raise funds for urgent causes while providing supporters with engaging content. Following the success of her first project, Vayntrub launched a second campaign during the summer, collecting an impressive $350,000 in just one week. These funds were allocated to My Tribe Rise, a local organization dedicated to helping elderly, disabled, and under-insured individuals rebuild their lives after the wildfires.
The overwhelming response to the campaigns attracted approximately 3,500 donors who contributed an average of $120 each, demonstrating the community’s willingness to support those in need. Vayntrub noted that the first two campaigns required less than ten hours of work for the creators involved, allowing for maximum impact with minimal effort.
With the momentum of her initial successes, Vayntrub is actively exploring additional projects for Only Philanthropy. She aims to address various causes, including justice reform, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate resilience. “We’ve raised over $500,000 together this year. Now let’s grow this into something bigger, stranger, more powerful,” she stated, inviting more creators to join the philanthropy movement.
Ensuring Donor Privacy and Security
The company operates on a tiered payment structure, where each level of donation offers progressively more enticing content. Notably, a $1,000 donation grants supporters a chance to receive a signed Polaroid from Vayntrub’s photo shoots. To protect the integrity of the photographs and ensure donor privacy, the digital images are watermarked with the donor’s email address. This measure allows the organization to track any unauthorized sharing of the content.
Vayntrub’s innovative approach to fundraising has not only provided significant financial support to wildfire victims but has also illustrated the potential of creative platforms for philanthropy. As she continues to expand her efforts, Vayntrub remains committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters, leveraging her influence and creativity for social good.
