If there’s a significant benefit to all the media attention that major movie franchises can receive, it’s that they use some of that power for a good cause. Star Wars: Force for Change was launched along with production of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and has gone on to raise millions of dollars. Now that we’ve officially received our first look at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the cast and crew of that film is getting in on the action as well. Those that donate to the charity organization this week have a chance to win an autographed Stormtrooper helmet. But it's not just any Stormtrooper helmet.
While the announcement video for this week’s contest refers to the prize simply as a "Rogue One Stormtrooper helmet," the image is of the black Stormtrooper that we saw in the film’s first trailer, who is being referred to, accurately or not, as a "Death Trooper" or "Shadow Trooper". The helmet in question will be signed by the cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It will also be apparently fully wearable, which makes winning it tough; do you put it on a shelf and show off the autographs, or make it part of some killer cosplay?
This particular contest is only running through next Monday, as Force for Change is using this particular promotion through May the 4th (Star Wars Day). Different prizes are being given away each week, and the organization will also be matching total donations up to $1 million.
While the weekly prizes, like the Stormtrooper helmet, only go to the top fundraiser each week, last week we learned that everybody who participates will have a chance to win a grand prize trip to Ireland that will include a visit to Skellig Michael, the location of the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
According to the Crowdrise website, this Force for Change campaign has raised $106,126 in total since April 5. Charities that can benefit from donations include Make-a-Wish America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, American Red Cross, and U.S. Fund for Unicef. About half of the money raised so far has gone to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Check out the newest member of the Star Wars franchise, Felicity Jones, announce the new contest.
It’s great to see so much work go into such great causes. We’re looking forward to seeing just how much money Force for Change can raise before we hit May the 4th.
