World's First Virtual Lemonade Stand Inspires Creation of Similar Approach in Cancer Fight
Volvo's stand to fight children's cancer, http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com/, leads to Electrolux and Kelly Ripa's stand for ovarian cancer research
ROCKLEIGH, N.J.(June 22, 2009) - As one of the leading supporters of pediatric cancer research in the United States, Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) today praised a similar fundraising approach by Electrolux and TV show host Kelly Ripa to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
In 2008, Volvo launched the world's first virtual lemonade stand, http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com/, to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), which raises funds to find a cure for pediatric cancer. Volvo kicked off the grand opening by purchasing the first 200,000 cups. Since then, nearly 10,000 generous donors have joined the fight by purchasing virtual cups of lemonade.
For only $1 each, anyone can purchase virtual cups of lemonade at the online lemonade stand. To help spread the word about the important work that ALSF is doing, purchasers can share cups of lemonade from the stand - via email - with family and friends.
Electrolux and Ripa recently unveiled a similar campaign where people can sell virtual glasses of lemonade to raise funds to find a cure for ovarian cancer.
"It's encouraging to see other companies fighting to cure cancer through innovative online campaigns such as Volvo's virtual lemonade stand and the one just launched by Electrolux," said Geno Effler, Volvo's vice president of public affairs. "While our two efforts are benefiting different organizations, we hope that people get involved in these campaigns so we can keep getting closer to a cure for cancer."
Service Appointment Offer
As part of its ongoing support for ALSF, Volvo recently announced that Volvo owners can save money on their next service appointment when they purchase cups of lemonade at http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com/, June 12 through July 31, 2009, while at the same time helping to find a cure for pediatric cancer.
For every virtual cup purchased between June 12 through July 31, 2009, Volvo drivers will receive a discount for the same amount, up to $100, on their next service visit at any authorized U.S. Volvo retailer. Service discounts are redeemable Aug. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009. For additional information, visit http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com/.
About Volvo and ALSF
Alex and her lemonade stands first caught the attention of Volvo in 2002 when she received an inaugural Volvo for life Award nomination. The awards program honored hometown heroes doing extraordinary things in their communities. Alex's determination and unwavering support for pediatric cancer research earned her a Volvo for life Award at the 2003 ceremony in New York City. Despite her deteriorating health, Alex continued to raise money through her stands.
In 2004, Alex set a remarkable goal: call upon the nation to raise $1 million to fight pediatric cancer before the year's end. Sadly, Alex died Aug. 1 at the age of 8, having raised an amazing $700,000. Volvo promised to help Alex reach her $1 million goal, and the company's employees and retailers did so in October of that year - by selling lemonade.
By the end of 2004, one little girl had made a world of difference, raising $1.5 million. Since then, Volvo has shown unwavering support of ALSF, helping to keep the inspiration and legacy of Alex alive. To date, ALSF has raised more than $25 million.
More About Volvo
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corp. of Göteborg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada.
More About ALSF
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $25 million towards fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 100 research projects nationally including those examining leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilm's tumor, lymphoma and osteosarcoma among others.
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Media: Kristin Heinmets, Haberman
612-372-6458, Kristin@modernstorytellers.com
