Pump It Up Jumps on Opportunity to Support Autism Speaks
Indoor inflatable playground franchise plans 'great open jump' to raise funds, awareness.

TEMPE, AZ, January 20, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties and other events, announced today that it has partnered with Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization, to fundraise and design a program that caters to the needs of children with autism.

On April 7, 2011, more than 150 Pump It Up locations across the country will host the "Great Open Jump," rallying local communities to raise funds for Autism Speaks and increase awareness about the disorder that impacts an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Autism Speaks is also working with Pump It Up to enhance its existing "Sensory Jump Time" program, which features games and activities for children with autism. The program is a fun way for children with autism to work on their social skills and gross motor skills in a safe environment.

"With more than 7 million children and families who visit Pump It Up facilities each year, we have a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism in our society and to support families impacted by the disorder," said Lee Knowlton, CEO of Pump It Up. "We're confident that our partnership with Autism Speaks will allow our company to play an even larger role in benefiting the future of children with autism."

Pump It Up began its support of autism in 2007 after many of the indoor, inflatable playgrounds across the country began to notice a trend of families seeking out the sensory environment as a unique place for their children with autism to play in a safe, private, and non-threatening manner. In the last three years, the Pump It Up franchise system has donated more than $110,000 to fund autism research and help support families impacted by autism.

"With its sensory-friendly facilities filled with large, soft inflatable play structures, Pump It Up provides an ideal environment for children with autism and those on the spectrum," said Scott Leibowitz, Autism Speaks National Director of Corporate Relations. "By taking the initiative to create additional programs for children with autism, and to raise funds for Autism Speaks, Pump It Up is setting an example for other companies to follow. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that will further our mission."

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