Children Jump by the Thousands for Autism Speaks

TEMPE, Ariz., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pump It Up always makes a big deal of parties, but on July 25, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the national children's entertainment franchise will host a celebration of epic proportion at each of its 150 locations.  In partnership with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, Pump It Up is inviting families nationwide to jump free of charge at its fourth annual Great Open Jump. Through donations, Pump It Up has set a goal to raise $100,000 for Autism Speaks.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110316/LA66409)

This year's Great Open Jump has special meaning for Tempe-based Pump It Up as the system-wide celebration will coincide with the company's 2 millionth birthday party hosted.  Families can help Pump It Up celebrate its milestone and reach their fundraising for Autism Speaks by making donations at their nearest Pump It Up location.

"From coast to coast, our franchise partners have long been passionate about helping kids and families living with autism, and they're eager to continue these efforts at this year's Great Open Jump," said Lee Knowlton, CEO of Pump It Up. "When we learned that our 2 millionth party was fast approaching, we couldn't think of a better way to combine these two events."

Pump It Up began its support of autism in 2007 after many locations across the country began to notice a trend of families seeking out the sensory environment as a unique place for their children on the autism spectrum to play. Over the years, more and more locations began to host events exclusively for children with autism, now known as Sensory Jump Time and in 2011 Pump It Up raised more than $30,000 for Autism Speaks.

"We applaud Pump It Up's commitment to raising awareness and funds for our science and advocacy initiatives," said Scott Leibowitz, Autism Speaks director of marketing and corporate relationship management. "We are honored that Pump It Up is celebrating its 2 millionth birthday party by helping to benefit children with autism, and we're ecstatic to be a part of it."

For more information to find out how you can participate in the fourth annual Great Open Jump visit www.PumpItUpParty.com.

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Pump It Up
A clear, national leader in the children's entertainment category, Pump It Up is a 150-unit franchise specializing in private birthday parties and programs like field trips, camps, open jump time and other seasonal special events. Known by most parents as their "kids' favorite place," Pump It Up prides itself on offering a trained, safety-oriented staff committed to serving families in a stress-free environment. For more information about Tempe, AZ- based, Pump It Up, please visit www.PumpItUpParty.com.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Media Contact: Michelle Ferm, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected],
(847) 945-1300

SOURCE Pump It Up