Sweepstakes Raised $1.7M For Space Democratization

Charity fundraising platform Omaze, in conjunction with Virgin Galactic, has announced the winner of two seats aboard a future Virgin space flight. The lucky recipient is Keisha S. of Antigua and Barbuda, a health and energy coach focused on the empowerment and health of women. With her win, she can achieve her lifelong dream of going to space, bringing her daughter, an astrophysics student, as her selected guest on their voyage above.

A group including Richard Branson, Virgin Founder, Omaze CEO Matt Philson, and Space For Humanity executive Rachel Lyons flew to Antigua to share the good news with Keisha personally. The sweepstakes began in the summer of 2021 following the Unity 22 mission, bringing in donations from almost 165,000 people around the world to build a projected $1.7 million in grants. The funds will go towards Space For Humanity, and their Citizen Astronaut Program, to be dispensed from Charities Aid Foundation America to help the charity "transform perspectives and train candidates to ensure an inclusive future in space." 

Keisha will join Virgin Galactic's burgeoning Future Astronaut Community as the first person from the Caribbean, joining 700 citizens from around the world. The community offers a chance to network, share the enjoyment and reverence for space travel, and prepare for future flights. As part of its ongoing charity work, the group "uses its collective power as a force for good by inspiring students to study STEM through their involvement with Galactic Unite". 

“Being able to give people of all ages and backgrounds equal access to space, and in turn, the opportunity to lead and inspire others back on Earth, is what Virgin Galactic has been building towards for the past two decades,” said Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic Founder. “It was remarkable to be there for the beginning of Keisha’s journey to space; she is an extraordinary person who is already inspiring people with the work she does to support women in her home of Antigua and Barbuda. This experience will provide another platform for her to inspire many more people into the future. I couldn’t be happier to see the mission of Virgin Galactic come to life and to work with such amazing partners like Omaze and Space for Humanity in our continued commitment to make space accessible to all.”

FMI: www.virgingalactic.com