All You Can Jet™ Sweepstakes Winners Do Good

We told you about how JetBlue gave 2 All You Can Jet passes to 5 lucky winners for the All You Can Jet™ Sweepstakes. These guys used the passes to travel the country to better their organization. Here's what they did.

Seth Maxwell

Tell us about your project.

The Thirst Project is a non-profit organization that raises awareness of and brings solutions to the clean water crisis. We travel around the United States speaking at High Schools and Colleges, educating students. The Thirst Project has spoken at over 70 schools in 10 states reaching over 100,000 students who have contributed over $500,000 to give safe, clean water in 9 countries.

Where have you visited?

While in New York, I met with Rod Arnold, COO of charity:water. Additionally, I met with and spoke to the Student Council at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (New York Campus) to engage their school in fundraising for The Thirst Project.

From there, I traveled to Texas where I spoke at two church groups about the global water crisis, Ann Richards High School to the entire school assembly, Texas State University: San Marcos to Dr. Richard Cherwitz' Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program Students, and University of Texas at Austin Leaders. I also met Edward Norton who I was able to engage and network to begin dialogue one-on-one as to how he can help our efforts!

Why is it important to do this in person instead of by phone or online?

There is no way I could engage the number of students that we have on our School Tour by phoning in information to a school. Live Presentations give us the opportunity to rally the troops, and mobilize large numbers.

Are you enjoying the TV's on JetBlue?

The TV's are SWEET! JetBlue rocks my socks!

Myles Miller

Tell us about your project

America is: uses a news documentary format to uncover the narratives of young Americans about the issues this country faces.

Where have you visited?

My travels took me to DC, where I met with Education Policy makers who helped craft the focus of the project, "Will it Work?" The news documentary project takes a critical look at education in America, with a focus on "Race to the Top" and the privatization of schools. We also traveled to LA to interview members of the largest teachers union.

What has been your favorite experience?

These travels sparked a chain of discussion within the educational community, prompting a dialogue with White House education advisers.

Are you enjoying the TV's on JetBlue?

I've been watching MSNBC. If it's the morning - Today or The View….shameless.

Anita Umutoni and Gisele Bahati

Tell us about your project.

The Akilah Institute is a school for young women in Kigali, Rwanda. Most of the students are genocide survivors and Akilah provides them with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge that will help them to gain meaningful employment. Students take courses in English, computers, public speaking, leadership and hospitality.

We are in the US to speak to Akilah supporters and learn more about American hospitality. The All You Can Jet contest has been a wonderful gift to Akilah and we are using the free tickets for Anita and Gisele to travel.

What has been your favorite experience so far?

Anita - My favorite experience was seeing downtown Chicago. This is our first time in the US (and the first time on an airplane when we arrived from Rwanda!) so its amazing to see these beautiful cities.

We also love meeting with supporters in Tampa because we love the hot weather and seeing the beach! We raised $80,000.

Why is it important to do this in person?

Anita - The people who have been providing scholarships to us, they are making it possible for us to study and pursue our dreams. Now we can meet them in person and tell them how much we appreciate it!

Are you enjoying the TV's on JetBlue?

Gisele - I never knew that there could be a TV on an airplane! I watched so many American shows, and it is funny to see the differences between American and Rwandan culture and entertainment!

Zachary Bonner

Tell us about your project.

I started The Little Red Wagon Foundation to help underprivileged children with our main focus being on helping homeless youth. Our main mission is to meet kids basic needs but also to take it one step further and to meet their kid needs.

Where have you visited?

We started the month by using the AYCJ passes to commute between LA and Tampa in order to finish a huge backpack project in LA. We were able to supply 500 homeless youth with backpacks containing food and supplies. We also traveled to DC, Charlotte NC, NYC, Las Vegas and back to LA in order to film a documentary about homeless youth.

What has been your favorite experience?

The 5 homeless youth that I interviewed of the past 2 days. It is always the best when I get to meet the kids, do projects with them or just get to know them.

Why is it important to do this in person?

The documentary must be done in person. As far as the press even though some could be done over the phone it is way less effective. Meeting the people in person makes it real for them and they are more likely to remember you, your organization and your cause. They are more likely to help you then and in the future.

Adam Lowy

Tell us about your project

I am the Executive Director of a non-profit organization called Move For Hunger, which works with moving companies across the country to help support local food banks. When people move, they throw out a bunch of “stuff.” Unfortunately, some of that “stuff” is food that could be delivered to a family in need. We are asking our movers to pick up the food items during their moves, and deliver it to their local food banks.

What has been your favorite experience?

In Ft. Lauderdale, we visited Feeding South Florida. Their facility completely blew me away! There's a room filled with school supplies where underprivileged teachers can come once a month for free supplies!

Why is it important to do this in person?

It is important that our partners not only hear our enthusiasm, but see it first hand. The face to face meeting is a crucial step to building long-term relationships.

Are you enjoying the TV's on JetBlue?

JetBlue has been amazing throughout this entire process. I think I’ve watched an unhealthy amount of TV on this trip. Haha. But all the flights have been quiet. Thank you to Do Something and JetBlue for this experience!

What can you do?

Post your project and become eligible for all kinds of DoSomething.org grants, scholarships and sweepstakes.