Alexa is one of the founders and organisers of HoHoTO – “the party that twitter built” – bringing together the startup, social media and tech communities in Toronto for an annual holiday party and to raise some much-needed funds for The Daily Bread Food Bank. Over $285,000 has been raised since HoHoTO began December 2008.
The first HoHoTO was organized in less than 20 days, sold out all 600 tickets in nine days, and went on to astonish all involved as the founders watched something bigger than they’d ever dreamed take shape before their eyes.
HoHoTO was created and organised almost entirely on social media and founded and organised by people who were almost exclusively connected through social media many of whom met for the first time at the first HoHoTO. The message of HoHoTO engaged the social community both locally and worldwide and created a groundswell of attention and enthusiasm. HoHoTO is often cited as one of the first examples of a hyper-connected social media movement using the power of self-organizing online groups to make a real world difference.
Alexa committed to HoHoTO from inception. She became the driving force behind HoHoTO’s fundraising, project management and sponsorship coordination. Alexa worked closely with Rogers, Virgin Mobile and Molson to find opportunities for them to increase their support and generate funds for the Daily Bread.
The Hangover Auction, Alexa’s brainchild, started in 2009 and uses Twitter to auction the unclaimed raffle prizes from the party to raise additional funds. The auction has recognised as a new and innovative way to use Twitter to do social good and was mentioned by Queen Rania of Jordan at the Le Web conference in 2009.
5 Years of HoHoTO. from Michael Penney on Vimeo.