Tempe, AZ (April 1, 2010) – On April 22, 2010, thousands of children and families across America will be bouncing, sliding and jumping to raise funds for autism and celebrate National Autism Awareness Month.

Pump It Up, the nation’s largest franchise of indoor, inflatable playgrounds, is launching its annual fundraising efforts on behalf of the Autism Society throughout the month of April. The efforts will culminate on April 22 when more than 150 participating Pump It Up franchises across the country will host ‘Bounce for Autism’ events. For a suggested donation to the Autism Society, families will enjoy open play time on the giant, inflatable structures that stand nearly two stories high.



Pump It Up first partnered with the Autism Society in 2007 after many of the indoor, inflatable playgrounds across the country began to notice a trend of families with autistic children and sponsoring organizations seeking out the sensory environment as a unique place for their children to play in a safe, private, and non-threatening manner. Last year, the Pump It Up franchise system raised more than $70,000 on behalf of the Autism Society; this year Pump It Up executives project to raise at least $150,000 for the cause.