Dreams Take Flight: A Fan's Unexpected Journey with KISS

“The idea of riding on a private jet with KISS was literally like the lottery to me,” exclaims Clint, a die-hard KISS fan from Rosemary Beach, Florida. His son often pondered the possibilities, conversations filled with hopeful 'what-ifs.' “I never thought I would win, really, my son kept saying to me, ‘Dad what if we win?’ to which I would reply, ‘It’s really unlikely but at least money is going to a good cause.’” Little did they know, their dream was about to take flight – quite literally.

The moment Clint discovered he had won was nothing short of surreal. “I was truly in a state of euphoria,” he reflects, painting the picture of his unexpected victory: an extraordinary journey aboard KISS's private jet, coupled with VIP access to their electrifying Indianapolis show.

Initially, Clint was engulfed in disbelief. The text message announcing his win seemed too good to be true. “I thought it was a scam,” he admits. “I didn’t even respond at first.” However, curiosity got the best of him, leading to a phone call that would change everything. Hearing the voicemail, reality began to sink in. “I literally dropped the phone when I heard it.”

Clint's win was monumental. It wasn’t just a prize; it was a golden ticket to a Rock ‘N’ Roll fantasy. The package included a flight for two on the iconic KISS jet, an intimate and personal experience with the band members, and to be hosted throughout the experience by the band’s legendary manager, Doc McGhee. Add to that backstage access and a spot right in the pit during the concert – it was every KISS fan's dream come true.

The thrill was palpable as Clint and his son leaped in joy. This wasn’t just another concert – it was a wild ride into the heart of rock history.

Clint won. BIG.

This unique opportunity is a brilliant example of what Fandiem stands for – what we call the Ecosystem of Giving. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven with artists, nonprofits, dreamers, fans, and experience creators, all coming together to make a difference. Yearly, hundreds of fans like Clint dive into Fandiem’s sweeps, each supporting deeply important causes. Whether it’s environmental awareness in the Amazon Rainforest, championing veterans' causes, bolstering democratic participation, or fighting hunger & food insecurity, Fandiem’s reach is as diverse as it is impactful. And the experiences? They’re as unique as the causes they support. One might find themselves - like Clint - sharing a jet with rock legends, another strumming a signed Fender guitar, or even riding high to a Metallica concert in Spain.

Clint reminisces about the moments leading up to the flight. “Thankfully it was cold and windy outside the plane, which stopped the sweat from the nervousness and butterflies flooding over us.” As a steadfast KISS fan since the 70s, attending numerous concerts, and even curating a personal collection of KISS memorabilia, for Clint, stepping onto that plane was stepping into a realm where fandom and fantasy collide. It was more than just a physical journey; it was a trip down memory lane, a realization of a lifelong passion. “I was trying not to explode inside.”

Fandiem fuels these intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It's not just about winning prizes; it's about igniting passions, bridging connections between idols and fans, and making a tangible difference in the world.

During the flight, Clint and his son, seated across from KISS legends Paul Stanley and Doc McGhee, were enveloped in a blend of nervous excitement and sheer awe. Gene Simmons, a figure who had significantly influenced Clint’s life, was tantalizingly close. “Imagine, a man in his mid-fifties, mere feet away from his idol of 48 years,” Clint reflects. The warmth and welcoming nature of the band eased their nerves, making them feel like part of the KISS family.

This was more than just a flight; it was a passage through decades of rock history, a journey Clint and his son would never forget. The pinnacle of this airborne adventure was the invitation extended to Clint’s son, a drummer with aspirations of becoming a pilot, to visit the cockpit. It was a moment where dreams and reality converged.

Upon landing, everyone got off except Gene Simmons, his wife Shannon, Clint, and his son.  “I asked if it was okay to get a picture with him,” remembers Clint, “and he replied, ‘Of course, come on back, we’ve been wondering why you didn’t move back here sooner’”.

And still… The best was yet to come.

The post-concert euphoria in Indianapolis took another exciting turn when Doc McGhee, the band’s manager, approached them with an offer that was impossible to refuse. “Why don’t you join us on the plane to Chicago and experience the show all over again?” McGhee suggested. “I can’t explain the shock and overwhelming, exceedingly abundant joy I felt after he asked that,” recalls Clint.

And so the adventure continued; off they went for Round #2, this time in Chicago, where Clint’s son was given the opportunity to hold the band’s various guitars and even crawl into Eric Carr’s drum set area.

The concert in Chicago brought them closer to the band than ever. Clint describes the connection he felt as he stood at the feet of Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley. “Their direct eye contact, nods, and gestures during the performance were surreal,” he recounts. When Gene Simmons pointed directly at him, Clint felt a recognition that transcended your typical fan experience. “It wasn’t just about being a fan for 48 years; at that moment, I felt like THE KISS fan,” he reflects with emotion.

Reflecting on the entire experience, Clint’s perspective on the concept of Donate-To-Win has transformed. Fandiem’s Ecosystem of Giving, a synergy of music, charity, and fan engagement, creates life-changing experiences that go beyond the tangible prizes. “Experiencing this ourselves, the joy and gratitude are indescribable,” Clint says. He compares his experience to the iconic 1970s TV show ‘Fantasy Island,’ where dreams became reality. Fandiem, in Clint’s eyes, is a modern-day dream maker, not just for fans but also for the communities and causes it supports.

As Clint recounts his 72-hour journey with KISS to friends and family, their reactions are unanimous – a sense of awe and wonder. “I’ve never heard of such a thing,” is a common response. Through Fandiem, Clint and his son lived a fantasy many only dream of, underscoring the extraordinary power of music and philanthropy intertwined. This adventure was more than just winning a contest; it was a testament to the power of dreams and the impact of giving back. It’s a testament to the growing Ecosystem of Giving.

See more about Clint's experience HERE