If you’ve been following recent gaming campaigns, AviaGames , known for its portfolio of skill-based real money games , has been getting some attention in 2026 for its Wonderland Wishes initiative tied to Solitaire Clash. The campaign picked up finalist spots in both the Shorty Awards and the Digiday Video & TV Awards , which highlights both its impact and how it was executed.
AviaGames Games
A Campaign Built Around Player Participation
Wonderland Wishes ran as a five-week Christmas event where players joined tournaments and in-game activities to earn “Wish Stars.” Instead of staying inside the game, those stars were converted into real-world support.
By the end of the campaign, players had generated 691,862,810 Wish Stars , which AviaGames turned into a $136,000 donation to Foster Love , a nonprofit organization focused on supporting children in foster care. The donations were tied to practical needs like toys, clothing, bikes, care kits, and educational support, giving a clear link between in-game activity and real-world outcomes
The campaign also included a livestream and an in-person event in Los Angeles, where players, community members, and Foster Love participants came together to assemble care packages and bicycles.
Shorty and Digiday Awards Recognition
Wonderland Wishes was named a finalist in both the 2026 Shorty Awards (Video Series category) and the 2026 Digiday Video & TV Awards , highlighting different aspects of the campaign’s execution and impact.
Now in its 18th year, the Shorty Awards recognize work across digital content, social storytelling, and brand campaigns, with past finalists including companies like Disney, Spotify, and YouTube. This recognition reflects the campaign’s storytelling approach, including the Solitaire Without the Solitude video series, which brought player and community stories into focus, along with the involvement of creator and foster care advocate Leo Gonzalez , whose perspective added authenticity.
The Digiday recognition, on the other hand, highlights how video was used as a core part of the campaign. Wonderland Wishes included multiple formats such as ad spots, short-form content, livestreams, and the Beyond the Game series, all working together to deliver a consistent narrative across platforms.
What the AviaGames Awards Recognition Means
What stands out here is that the two awards highlight different sides of the same campaign. The Shorty Awards focus more on community participation and storytelling, while the Digiday recognition leans into execution, content strategy, and reach.
Together, they point to a structured approach where gameplay, content, and real-world initiatives are closely connected rather than treated as separate pieces.
The Role of Leadership
The direction behind campaigns like Wonderland Wishes is tied to AviaGames CEO Vickie Chen ’s broader focus on connecting skill-based real money games with real communities. In her public remarks, she has highlighted efforts to support causes such as foster youth and animal welfare through structured in-game events.
Her leadership has also been recognized separately, with Vickie named a finalist for Best Female CEO of the Year at the 2025 Stevie® Women in Business Awards.
Final Thoughts
The recognition from both the Shorty Awards and Digiday Video & TV Awards shows how Wonderland Wishes combined player participation, structured storytelling, and real-world support into a single campaign. As AviaGames moves forward, this kind of approach gives a clearer picture of how gameplay and community initiatives can be connected in a more intentional and heartfelt way.
Originally posted on CEO Column.
https://ceocolumn.com/blog/aviagames-awards-2026-shorty-and-digiday-finalist-recognition/
