TEMPE, Ariz., April 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BounceU, a popular franchise that fulfills the birthday wishes of children around the country with its lively, whimsical parties, announced an alliance today with Make-A-Wish to help the organization fulfill the wishes of more children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Starting April 29, 2013 and culminating on May 22 with a "Big, Big BounceSM" system-wide event, BounceU's 51 locations in 19 states have set a goal to raise at least $50,000 for Make-A-Wish as the charitable organization celebrates its 33rd birthday – officially known as "World Wish Day®."
"Supporting an organization like Make-A-Wish that truly aligns with our own mission and values is extremely gratifying for us," said Lee Knowlton, CEO of BounceU. "As a company that prides itself on creating spectacular birthday experiences for children, we are thrilled with the opportunity to help bring joy to children whose wishes are granted through this wonderful organization."
From April 29 through May 22, all BounceU locations will host ongoing events and promotions to benefit Make-A-Wish. Promotions will vary at each BounceU, and all locations will participate in the following:
- Customers can purchase paper "Wish Candles" for $1 each to be displayed at BounceU, with 100 percent of donations benefitting Make-A-Wish.
- BounceU locations throughout the country will host "Make-A-Wish Wednesdays" every Wednesday throughout the campaign, on May 1, May 8 and May 15 to support the cause.
- Each BounceU location will allow customers to add on donations at the time of checkout to support Make-A-Wish.
The fundraising campaign will conclude on May 22 with BounceU's "Big, Big Bounce" event, through which the public is invited for a free open bounce session with a donation of their choice to Make-A-Wish. Locations may offer a variety of activities like face-painting and balloon twisting, arts and crafts, refreshments, etc., for local families.
"The 'Big, Big Bounce' event is our way of truly engaging the public for this great cause," Knowlton added. "We are expecting a huge turnout from the families who visit our locations throughout the year."
"Both BounceU and Make-A-Wish work to create experiences that serve as a celebration of life, making this relationship a perfect fit," said David A. Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "Through its support, BounceU is making birthdays more than just milestone events – the company is helping Make-A-Wish deliver hope, happiness, and a renewed sense of possibility to kids with life-threatening medical conditions."
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. Its mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
About BounceU
Founded in Gilbert, Ariz. in 2003, BounceU is the place where birthdays come to life. The company specializes in creating private, full-service birthday party experiences for children in a safe, indoor environment. Founded with customer service in mind, BounceU provides tailored, stress-free and supervised parties. Today, BounceU is based in Tempe, Ariz. and has 51 locations in 19 states. For more information, please visit www.BounceU.com.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Based in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 226,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; nearly 14,000 in 2012 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at wish.org to learn more.