Hey you! Yeah, you over there playing video games. Have you ever wanted to actually be a hero? C'mon, admit it. You have, we all have.

Have you ever heard of Extra Life? They're a Children's Miracle Network fundraiser that raises money via a yearly video game marathon, every October.

You heard us right, Video. Game. Marathon.

This is where the hero part kicks in. You can participate in this marathon on October 15, 2011. All you have to do is find 4 sponsors to donate $1 per hour each for a 24-hour long extravaganza, and you've earned your cape. No spandex required.

We love this idea.

It hits that sweet spot of both wanting to save the world, yet not wanting to stop playing video games to do it.

So we decided to help our friends out with a small gift as our October $1,000 donation, and we're telling you a little early so you can participate, too.

We're donating herd of twenty Tauntauns for Extra Life to twenty random Platinum members before the marathon, as a thank you for ponying up the extra fifteen dollars it takes to register. (Being Platinum helps Extra Life defray costs, so you're really donating more.)

If you sign up for Extra Life Platinum now, not only will you help the campaign get started, but there is a distinct chance that you'll be able to execute your heroic actions snuggled in the guts of a Tauntaun.

There really isn't any downside to this one. Play video games. Enjoy some geek cred. Save some kids. Potentially win a Tauntaun. It's all pretty awesome.

P.S. If you can't pony up the extra fifteen bucks for a Platinum Membership? There may still be a super-secret coupon code for you, after the marathon to thank you for participating. ALL heroes are awesome even non-platinum ones.