By: Nic Abelian
Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures is set to host an exciting and impactful fundraiser, Purses for Passports: Designer Handbag Bingo, with a goal of raising $15,000. The proceeds from this event will go toward funding international travel opportunities for three underserved youth as part of the organization’s Global Explorer Program in July 2025. This program, which combines cultural immersion, service learning, and leadership development, provides young participants with experiences that broaden their worldviews and help them become empowered, global citizens.
Empowering Youth Through Global Exploration
Founded in 2023 by Erica Wright in honor of her brother Steven, Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures is committed to providing transformative travel experiences for underserved youth. Steven, a Navy veteran and healthcare worker known for his compassion and dedication to service, inspired the mission of the organization: to give young people the opportunity to grow through global travel, cultural immersion, and community service. The Global Explorer Program offers life-changing journeys that aim to develop leadership skills and encourage participants to return home with a stronger sense of purpose.
The funds raised through Purses for Passports will directly support three deserving youth by covering the costs of travel, accommodation, and program participation. Through these experiences, participants are not only exposed to new cultures but also given opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects that promote personal growth and social responsibility.
How Purses for Passports: Designer Handbag Bingo Works
Purses for Passports offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy a fun night of bingo while making a difference in the lives of underserved youth. The event features rounds of bingo, with winners taking home coveted designer handbags as prizes. Each handbag represents more than just a luxury item—it symbolizes a contribution to a larger cause, helping underserved youth gain experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.
The excitement of winning a designer handbag draws a diverse crowd, but what truly resonates with participants is the knowledge that their involvement in the event is contributing to a cause with deep community impact. Every ticket purchased, every bingo card played, helps raise funds to support the future leaders of tomorrow through the Global Explorer Program.
A Community Effort to Empower Young Dreamers
Community involvement is at the heart of Purses for Passports, as the success of the event depends on the participation of individuals and local businesses alike. Erica Wright, the founder of Steven’s Wings, emphasizes the power of community support in making these life-changing travel opportunities possible. “Your participation in Purses for Passports helps us give wings to young dreamers, opening their eyes to the world and unlocking their full potential,” Wright says. This professional insight captures the essence of the event—a collective effort to uplift youth and provide them with opportunities for growth and leadership development.
The event is not just about raising funds; it’s about building a community of supporters who believe in the mission of Steven’s Wings. Whether it’s through playing bingo, donating, or spreading the word, each contribution helps create life-changing experiences for youth who may never have the opportunity to travel or engage with different cultures.
The Global Explorer Program: A Path to Leadership
The Global Explorer Program is at the core of what makes Steven’s Wings unique. The program focuses on three pillars: cultural immersion, service learning, and leadership development. Participants in the program not only travel internationally, but they also engage in hands-on projects that serve local communities, whether through building schools, participating in environmental initiatives, or volunteering with local organizations.
These experiences help youth build critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and empathy, all of which are essential for becoming effective leaders. Upon returning home, participants are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned to their own communities, continuing Steven’s legacy of service and making a difference on a local level.
For the young people selected for the 2025 Global Explorer Program, the opportunity to travel abroad is a chance to expand their horizons and grow as individuals. It’s an experience that can change their perspectives on life, their role in the world, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Contact Steven’s Wings
To learn more about Steven’s Wings: Global Youth Adventures, or to participate in the upcoming Purses for Passports event, visit:
- Website: stevenswings.org
- Instagram: @stevenswingsgya
Published by: Nelly Chavez