OMAZE-ING! Over $4M Raised By “Star Wars: Force For Change”

We did it, Star Wars fans!

Thanks to the generous contributions of Star Wars fans in over 125 countries, the United Nations Children’s Fund will be receiving $4.26 million in donations to go toward helping women and children in need around the world through the organization’s network of “Innovation Labs”.

The fund-raising began in May and ran through July. It was part of an effort called “Star Wars: Force for Change”, a Disney-launched program that sought to put the good will of the Star Wars community into action. An initial $1 million was donated by Disney, with fans contributing the rest.

The donations were raised through Omaze, an innovative company that raises money for charities and humanitarian efforts by raffling off chances to win once in a lifetime celebrity experiences. Donations are incentivized with tiered awards for various levels of participation, including special thank-you’s from celebrity sponsors, limited edition t-shirts, high-end collectible, vintage souvenirs and other valuables.

Many of the participating fans received posters, statuettes, t-shirts and more, but D.C Barns of Denver, CO. took the Force for Change grand prize: A visit to the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, and a small role in the film. In a video released by Omaze, Barnes stated that he had been a Star Wars fan since he was five years-old. During the video, Barnes was surprised with the news that he won the grand prize. A visibly awed Barns remarked that “this was his favorite Star Wars moment.”

I should say so, Mr. Barnes!

This is not the first time that Omaze, the folks behind the Star Wars franchise, and its fans have come together to support a good cause. Back in January of this year, Omaze offered Star Wars fans the opportunity to win a visit to Skywalker Ranch, where they would receive a tour alongside Chris Hardwick of The Nerdist and then meet George Lucas and Mark Hamill. All funds raised during that promotion went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity that Lucasfilm parent company Disney has a long history of supporting.

Will Star Wars/Omaze join forces again? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, you can check out www.omaze.com for other opportunities to help worthwhile institutions and maybe even win a cool prize while you do it. “Read more”