Chances are, you recognize Milana Vayntrub from her stint as an AT&T spokeswoman. She would humorously share the deals the wireless carrier was offering with customers in the company's commercials. She's also an actress, comedian, and director.
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Earlier this year, the 38-year-old ventured into modeling, but for a good cause. She recently revealed that she has raised half a million dollars through Only Philanthropy, a company modeled after the OnlyFans platform but focused entirely on supporting charitable causes.
Through the platform, she sold "tastefully risqué" pics of herself to help those affected by the wildfires in California.
"I had this full-on crazy idea for an experiment," Vanytrub wrote on Instagram. "After the LA fires this year, I saw that what people really needed was some cash. So I wondered if you and me could try something ridiculous and team up to help the people affected."
What Was in These Pics?
The Only Philanthropy site says it "trades exclusive content for real-world impact. We raise money for urgent causes quickly, by offering our generous supporters something a little flirty, a little silly, and with a whole lot of heart."
Only Philanthropy uses a tiered donation system. The higher the donation, the more exclusive or playful the photos a supporter receives. For example, contributing $1,000 earns you a chance to receive a signed Polaroid from Vayntrub's photo shoot.
However, if you leak the photos online, the company will know. Each has a digital watermark with the donor's email address, to stop you from being that guy (or girl).
The actress says the project became "the best thing I've ever been part of." While the "exclusive" pics are sexy and revealing, she had ruled out any nudity.
What's Next for Milana Vayntrub?
Vayntrub's first drive raised $170,000 in just four days. It helped a family with three children pay for a year of housing, medical expenses, and a new car.
The second go-round took just a week to raise $350,000. Those funds went to My Tribe Rise, an organization that helps elderly, disabled, and under-insured people "rebuild their lives."
Building on this momentum, Vayntrub is now exploring additional opportunities for Only Philanthropy, including funding justice reform, homelessness, and climate change.
"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," Vayntrub said.
