The Toy Foundation celebrates the success of two International Day of Play fundraising campaigns that generated more than $100,000 to support kids in need.
The philanthropic arm of The Toy Association partnered with Build-A-Bear Foundation and Chuck E. Cheese throughout June, inviting consumers to support the nonprofit’s mission of delivering the power of play to kids around the world.
“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 honor of International Day of Play,” says Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Together, we are making a lasting impact, transforming children’s lives with the power of play.”
Chuck E. Cheese hosted a month-long campaign at nearly 500 locations, giving guests who donated $5 at checkout an additional 500 prize tickets. Families also had the option to make $1 or $3 donations through FreedomPay’s Gateway to Giving pin pad program, while select locations sold a limited-edition Chuck E. Cheese x Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty with 100% of proceeds benefiting The Toy Foundation.
Meanwhile, Build-A-Bear Foundation hosted a weeklong fundraising campaign June 8-12 across Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in the U.S. and U.K., as well as online. Guests made donations of their choosing at checkout, with proceeds supporting The Toy Foundation’s efforts to provide toys and play opportunities for kids 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,” says David Henderson, president of Build-A-Bear Foundation. “From toy donations and sponsorship support to this International Day of Play fundraising campaign, we are committed to helping create more moments of joy for children and families in need. We are so grateful to our guests and partners whose generosity continues to make that impact possible.”
The fundraising campaigns complemented The Toy Foundation’s broader International Day of Play initiative, which led to nearly 20 toy companies donating $5.7 million in toys. Those donations are being distributed to more than 450,000 kids in under-resourced communities, schools, and hospitals worldwide.
Learn more at toyfoundation.org.
