The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm partnered with Build-A-Bear and Chuck E. Cheese on fundraising campaigns around the UN’s International Day of Play
The US Toy Foundation, the US Toy Association’s charity arm, raised over $100,000 in June in partnership with Chuck E. Cheese and Build-A-Bear.
The organisations teamed on fundraising initiatives tied to the United Nation’s International Day of Play.
The partnership with the Chuck E. Cheese family restaurant chain included a three-part fundraising campaign throughout the month of June. At nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese locations, families who donated $5 at checkout received 500 tickets to use toward prizes, turning a charitable gift into extra fun. At select locations, families could also purchase a Chuck E. Cheese x Crazy Aaron’s Limited-Edition Thinking Putty, with 100 per cent of the purchase price benefitting The Toy Foundation.
“Partnering with The Toy Foundation this International Day of Play allowed us to make a real difference through the power of play,” said Scott Drake, CEO of CEC Entertainment.
Build-A-Bear brought its signature warmth to workshops across the U.S. and the UK with a weeklong fundraising campaign held 8-12 June. Shoppers made donations in amounts of their choosing at checkout, both in stores and online, with every dollar supporting The Toy Foundation’s work to deliver play to children in need.
“Build-A-Bear Foundation is proud to partner with The Toy Foundation in advancing the shared belief that play has the power to positively impact children’s lives,” said David Henderson, President of Build-A-Bear Foundation.
These fundraising campaigns complemented The Toy Foundation’s International Day of Play toy collection initiative, which resulted in nearly 20 companies donating $5.7 million in toys. The toy donations are being distributed to more than 450,000 children in under-resourced communities, schools, and hospitals around the world.
Pam Mastrota, Executive Director of The Toy Foundation, said: “We are grateful to Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese for their support, collaboration, and partnership in hosting two successful cause marketing campaigns, and to the companies that generously donated toys in honour of International Day of Play. Together, we are making a lasting impact, transforming children’s lives with the power of play.”
