We started Omaze because…
We were able to attend a charity gala hosted by Magic Johnson benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of America, where he auctioned off the chance to sit with him courtside at a Lakers game. The experience raised $15,000 — something there was no way we would have been able to afford. In the car ride home we started to talk about how a prize that was so priceless in our minds could only generate $15,000 for such a great cause and how much more could have been raised if any Magic fan had the chance to enter for just $10. We were convinced numerous smaller dollar entries would ultimately raise significantly more funds and more awareness for the cause. From that moment the idea really started to grow into what Omaze is today, which is a cause marketplace that has made giving fun and that brings together charities, celebrities and influencers, consumers and super fans – to make a difference in the lives of others.

And the story behind the name…
We owe to our friend Missy. She is one of those people who’s not restrained by the bounds of the English language and was always coming up with new words. She used to call anything that was more than amazing, “o-mazing” We liked the sound of it and thought it embodied the inspirational and fun-loving elements we wanted to express in the brand. So we stole it.

Our most-requested experience…
We have a really broad audience who have donated to campaigns like: enjoy the best night of your life with Robert Downey Jr., have John Legend sing at your wedding, ride in a tank and crush a car with Arnold Schwarzenegger, ride in an RV with Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston to the Breaking Bad season finale, or warm up with Serena Williams at Indian Wells. The two that standout as being huge fan favorites though are Star Wars — our first campaign raised over $4.2M for UNICEF Innovation Labs — and Jon Stewart, whose campaign to attend the final taping of The Daily Show raised $2M for New York Collaborates for Autism.

New for this December…
We have partnered with (RED) to help support their mission to create an AIDS-free generation become a reality. These are just a handful of once-in-a-lifetime experiences open for people to enter.

Our top gift recommendation for the gastronome…
We’re big foodies at Omaze, so this holiday we had to give people the chance to meet one of our favorite chefs: the incomparable Mario Batali.

For the TV buff…
Game of Thrones. You get to hang on set in Belfast, meet the cast, take an archery lesson, sit on the throne and swing The Mountain’s sword. I’m a huge GOT nerd so I’m incredibly jealous of whoever wins.

For the music lover…
Bike ride in Central Park with Bono. We’ll be providing a helmet, don’t worry.

For the art enthusiast…
A man of endless talents, James Franco will be painting a winner’s portrait.

For film fan…
Doesn’t get better than walking the red carpet with Meryl Streep.

And for the person who has it all…
You may have it all, but have you ever done a wellness retreat with Snoop in Colorado?

Best gift I’ve personally given…
For my parents’ anniversary, my brother Ross and I recreated one of the embarrassing photos they made us take as kids. The original photo was us dressed in sailor outfits when we were five and two, with Ross sitting on my lap. We got the same outfits and put him on my lap — but now’s he’s 6’3” and 260 lbs, so it felt a little different.

And ever received…
I was an insane Lakers fan as a kid to the point where I refused to wear any non-Laker t-shirt. My parents got me a Magic Johnson-signed basketball when I was 11 and I almost cried. Actually, I definitely cried.