Kathryn from NC won a Valentines date with Daniel Gillies and a trip to LA. We caught up with her after she got back from her sunny weekend...
Propeller: How did you find out about Propeller and what type of actions did you complete to earn points towards winning this experience?
KATHRYN: I found Propeller through following Daniel on social media. I donated because I believe in the mission of Oxfam, and I also support the goals of Propeller in using social media for activism and raising the profile of charities through it. With all the negativity on social media I'm happy to support anyone trying to use it for good. I also love that they reward engagement and activism as equally as financial support. I am fortunate to be able to donate but in addition to donating I really enjoyed learning about new charities through the videos. I learned a lot.
Propeller: What was the highlight of your time in Los Angeles?
KATHRYN: Clearly, meeting Daniel and hanging out over a meal. But we did have an amazing whirlwind time on our long weekend. We explored Beverly Hills, rented a convertible and drove to Venice beach and through Griffith Park, got on a boat for whale watching, went to the Griffith observatory and hiked the park, enjoyed some drag queen bingo, had several great meals in West Hollywood and hit up some bars in downtown LA. I even got to spend some time with an old friend living in LA who I hadn't seen in 15 years. I guess it all merged into a 106 hour highlight? It was an awesome weekend.
Propeller: How was meeting Daniel Gillies? What was your Valentines like?
KATHRYN: He's a genuinely nice, funny person and a good guy. We live very different lives but surprisingly had a lot in common and I love meeting interesting, smart people who do different things than me. Shameless plug, but if anyone hasn't seen his film Broken Kingdom they should, it's excellent. We had the best time just spending the afternoon eating really good food and talking about life. There may or may not have been a little tequila, and we all know what's said over tacos and tequila stays at the table, so I'll leave it at that. I hadn't been to LA in over a decade and he gave us the best recommendations as to what to do & see and the low down on his favorite spots. We were not disappointed; he's got good taste.
Propeller: Which non-profits at Propeller are most important to you and why?
KATHRYN: I'm familiar with a lot of the charities that Propeller works with but most important to me are Oxfam, Natural Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, Oceana, and Musicians on Call. As to why? Beyond the awesome work of Oxfam (since World War II !!) which I hope everyone supports, in my previous professional life I spent years working as a marine ecologist and have done things with Oceana for some time. I also fully support anyone trying to combat climate change. Musicians on Call has a special place in my heart now because I work in a hospital and genuinely appreciate the work of our music therapists.
Propeller: Is there anything we could do to improve the experience?
KATHRYN: Of course not! I didn't expect to win anything and it's a gift! Everyone I interacted with was great and went above & beyond to ensure everything went smoothly.
Thanks to everyone who took part in the campaign!
