We've all heard of the standard ways to help a cause: donate, fundraise, volunteer, spread the word.  But what if you could make an impact simply by snagging a backstage pass to a Lady Gaga show, spending a day on the set of a popular television series or hanging with your favorite musician in his or her studio?  Well, thanks to an innovative company called Omaze, those possibilities are real.

Launched earlier this year by two grad school buddies with entertainment industry ties and big imaginations, Omaze takes the concept of a high-end charity raffle and makes it accessible to the general public for $5 a pop.  It offers chances to win experiences unlike any other: currently, winners can spend a day on the set of Parks & Recreation, enjoy a shopping spree and styling session with one of the hosts of E! Fashion Police, spend time in the studio with Moby, and more; each experience Omaze offers is tied directly to a charity that's partnered with them to raise funds toward a specific monetary goal.  So, every time you enter to win something awesome, you're helping the cause that's linked to it.  Several experiences currently up for grabs directly benefit P.S. Arts, while others' proceeds go to Young Storytellers. 

Omaze's roster of interactive entertainment experiences (and their partner charities) changes every few weeks, and the more chances you purchase, the less expensive they become per unit. Upcoming experiences include playing doubles with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf (benefiting the Andre Agassi Foundation) and meeting Magic Johnson (benefiting InsideOUT Writers).  Want to keep up with it all?  Sign up to stay connected... because who says fun and philanthropy can't coexist?