On May 2, 2021, non-profit City Year hosted their annual Spring Break event which celebrates their dedicated AmeriCorps members who stepped up for students during a time of enormous hardship, helping them achieve academically while also serving as a critical social lifeline. While the incredible work being done is always worth honoring, the 2021 event had an extra layer of poignancy given how AmeriCorps members stepped up for students ina time of enormous hardship, helping them achieve academically while also serving as a critical social lifeline during a pandemic full of isolation and uncertainty.
Mirroring the pivot to virtual in the classroom, City Year’s Spring Break fundraiser took place on a virtual platform, energetically blasting through the screen to provide an evening of music, inspiration, and fun. The free event featured musical performances by Miguel and guest appearances by actors Steve Yeun, America Ferrara, Regina King, Jesse Williams, and Sterling K. Brown who read beautiful “Why I Serve” pieces written by AmeriCorps members. Long-time supporter Octavia Spencer returned as host, sharing her love and dedication for the organization.
On top of countless sponsorship contributions, roughly 200 donors took advantage of the text-to-donate feature over the course of the one-hour show This resulted in over 1.6 million dollars raised for the nonprofit.
JJLA creative produced, directed, and edited the live event which can now be viewed on Vimeo. Check it out here.