In an innovative approach to fundraising, former AT&T spokeswoman Milana Vayntrub has successfully generated over $500,000 through the sale of “tastefully risqué” photos of herself. This initiative aims to assist victims of the recent and devastating wildfires in California. Vayntrub, known for her role in commercials for the telecommunications giant, launched her effort through a project dubbed “Only Philanthropy,” a clever nod to the popular adult content platform, OnlyFans.
Sharing her journey on Instagram, Vayntrub described the conception of the project as a “full-on crazy idea for an experiment.” Following the wildfires that struck Los Angeles earlier this year, she recognized a critical need for financial support among those affected. Vayntrub’s concept allowed her to harness the power of social media and community engagement to create a direct impact.
Through her platform, Vayntrub teased potential supporters with promises of “flirty and tastefully risqué” content, while explicitly ruling out nudity. She initially offered exclusive photographs in exchange for donations to a GoFundMe campaign set up by Bridget Bradley. Bradley, a single mother, lost her home in the Eaton wildfire, and the funds raised through Vayntrub’s initiative played a pivotal role in securing housing, covering medical expenses, and providing transportation for her family.
The initial phase of the fundraising effort was remarkably successful, raising $170,000 in just four days. This momentum sparked a second campaign over the summer, which further amassed $350,000 within a week, following the positive feedback from the first drive. The total funds were subsequently allocated to My Tribe Rise, an Altadena-based organization focused on helping elderly, disabled, and underinsured individuals rebuild their lives after the disasters.
The impact of Vayntrub’s endeavors is not limited to fire survivors alone. With plans to expand Only Philanthropy, she is actively seeking collaborations aimed at addressing various urgent social issues, including justice reform, homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate resilience. Vayntrub expressed her excitement about the possibilities stating, “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.”
The structure of Only Philanthropy includes a tiered payment system, where higher donation amounts unlock increasingly flirty content. For those donating $1,000, additional perks include a signed Polaroid from Vayntrub’s photo shoot. To safeguard the privacy of her donors, the digital photos are watermarked with the donor’s email address, ensuring that any leakage can be traced back to its source.
This novel fundraising effort by Vayntrub is a testament to the potential of harnessing social media platforms for philanthropic purposes, providing not only a unique way to engage donors but also substantial support for communities in crisis. As she continues to explore new avenues for support and collaboration, the innovative model set by Vayntrub may pave the way for future fundraising initiatives in various sectors.
