Taking Off (Virtually): The Digital Day Party & Fundraiser

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We’re seeing companies quickly having to adapt to the COVID19 pandemic, and it’s amazing how we are seeing organizations transition to ‘the new normal’ of digital connections while continuing to further their purpose of change and impact. We’re excited to have been able to quickly transition our in-person Too Fly Fundraiser into an impactful, and CreativelyLIT platform to raise awareness, raise funds, and bring a community together.

The “We Inside” Digital Day Party and Fundraiser brought together creatives, performers, change agents, and small, minority business owners from across the country to continue the organization’s mission of bridging generations and inspiring curiosity abroad while providing students in underserved communities with passports and travel grants so they, too, can gain a global perspective.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT AND DONATIONS ONLINE AND AT THE EVENT WE WERE ABLE TO RAISE OVER $2,150 - ENOUGH TO SPONSOR 14 PASSPORTS AND IN TURN IMPACT THE LIVES OF 14 STUDENTS.

Prior to the event, Too Fly Passport Partner, Dulce Vida Tequila, provided special drink rescipes to help everyone 21 years old and above to prepare for the event, Dallas local - Chef Gabrielle McBay provided a cocktail tutorial for all of the attendees.

The event featured DJ Unruly & DJ Nitecrawler on the main stage spinning and performing a ‘Too Fly Mashup’ to keep the energy up for everyone viewing from the comfort of their homes - the categories included “Global Chunes” from around the world, “Love Jones” the best of R&B, and “Throwback” throwback tracks.

 
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Marcus King of Hardly Home, Martice Sutton from Girls Going Global, and Walla Elsheikh of Birthright AFRICA all spoke on he event’s first panel highlighting the importance of travel awareness and opportunities for students of color, all of whom worked with and benefitted from Too Fly Foundation in the past. The event’s second panel focused on travel influencers from across the country and the importance of people of color exploring the world and fostering an appreciation for diversity, belonging, and exploration. Panelists included Cassidy Blackwell, Director of Global Editorial at Airbnb, Larif Hamm of Peculiar Travel, and Delonte of Black Beyond Borders.

 
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In true festival fashion, there was a lot more going on than what partipants saw on the main stage. The event featured six artists that performed live on our ‘Too Fly Stage’ - everything from R&B, hip hop and spoken word performances! While understanding the community impacts of COVID19 we also had a small business expo room open with over 15 vendors for attendees to shop, virtually, for art, aparell, food services, fitness, and personal health prodcuts and services. Be sure to visit some of our vendors website and shop their products (links below).

A THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CHECKOUT SOME RESOURCES FROM OUR PARTNERS AT AIRBNB:

  1. Airbnb's 2020 Black Travel List - The list comprises 14 Black individuals who are shaping and influencing travel.

  2. Black Americans Setting Top Travel Trends - Polling looking at how Black Americans are setting top travel trends.

  3. Cassidy Blackwell Interview - Interview discussing trends of Black American travels.

  4. Airbnb Virtual Listings - Download super cool images of Airbnb listings and use them as backgrounds during your virtual calls. Free downloadable files in the link above.

be sure to connect with vendors, artists, and panelists from the event and visit our recap page to view clips and learn more!

 
 
tooflyfundraiserBrandon Millercovid, virtual, funraiser