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Pump It Up and Autism Society of America Launch 'Bounce for Autism'

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New Nationwide Event to Raise Awareness, Support Families Affected by Autism

March 03, 2008 // Franchising.com // Pleasanton, CA – The Autism Society of America, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, and Pump It Up, the nation's largest and fastest-growing franchise of giant indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, announced today the launch of "Bounce for Autism" - a new nationwide, community-based fundraising event that combines family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Autism now affects one in every 150 children in America, and ASA and Pump It Up hope to energize families affected by autism and their friends to raise funds and awareness of autism today.

"Bounce for Autism" will kick off in six U.S. cities in April to celebrate National Autism Awareness Month:

• April 1, 2008: Chicago, IL and Elkridge, MD (Baltimore/Washington area);
  
• April 10, 2008: Irvine, CA
  
• April 11, 2008: Beaverton, OR (Portland-area)
  
• April 16, 2008: The Woodlands, TX (Houston area) and Bentonville, AR
  

The sensory environment at Pump it Up encourages people with autism of all ages to run, jump, laugh and play in an environment where they feel comfortable and accepted – a rare experience for a child with autism and special needs. "Pump It Up is proud to support such a worthy cause," said Gordon Keil, Pump It Up CEO. "This is our chance to give back to our communities and have fun by helping the Autism Society of America improve the lives of all affected by autism."

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the US economy $90 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.

"We are honored to team up with Pump It Up in launching an event that brings communities together to support each other and raise funds that will help families today," said Lee Grossman, President and CEO for the Autism Society of America.

Participating Pump It Up locations will also host open houses throughout April, free to the public, with donations encouraged. Many other locations are already signing up their bounce marathons for 2008, and ASA and PIU hope to reach 30 million bounces over the course of the year. Everyone is encouraged to get their "sock squads" together and bounce today. Visit www.bounceforautism.org for more information and details.

About Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

About Pump It Up

Pump It Up's inflatable party zone was created as a fun, safe place for children and adults to enjoy. Private parties for birthdays, team, school events, etc. are available to everyone from toddlers to adults and must be reserved in advance. Trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services. Pump It Up is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA with more than 240 locations in operation or under development. For more information about Pump It Up, please visit www.pumpitupparty.com.

About ASA:

ASA, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.

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