GRAPEVINE, TX--(Marketwired - May 10, 2016) - GameStop, a family of specialty retail brands that makes the most popular technologies affordable and simple, announced today that it collected more than $1.2 million as part of its first-ever Autism Awareness Month in-store donation campaign. The proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, and to help families impacted by autism.
During the month of April, GameStop, along with its Spring Mobile AT&T, Simply Mac, ThinkGeek, Kongregate and Game Informer brands, invited customers and associates to donate to this important cause through an in-store and online donation campaign.
"Throughout this campaign, many of our customers and associates shared with us how their families have been impacted by autism and expressed their gratitude for GameStop's efforts to raise awareness and acceptance of autism," said Matt Hodges, vice president of public and investor relations for GameStop. "Driven by the generous spirit of our customers and the support of our associates we collected more than $1.2 million in our first year of partnering with Autism Speaks. On behalf of GameStop and Autism Speaks, thanks to everyone who donated. Together we are shining a light on autism."
A portion of the donations raised through the GameStop campaign will help fund the Autism Speaks Family Services iPad Grant program. The iPads purchased will go to financially disadvantaged children and adults with autism to advance their communication and learning skills.
In addition, the money raised will also fund the research and science program at Autism Speaks, which enables the development of technological advances that improve the health and quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.
"GameStop employees and customers have shown exceptional commitment to the autism community," said Angela Geiger, Autism Speaks president and CEO. "Their donations, surpassing the million-dollar mark, will go a long way toward providing programs and resources for children and adults on the autism spectrum, at every stage of life."
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders -- autism spectrum disorders -- caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
About GameStop Corp.
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Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
Autism Speaks
Jacqueline Kepping
(646) 385-8544
Jacqueline.Kepping@autismspeaks.org
GameStop
Martha Martinez-Sotelo
(817) 722-7950
MarthaMartinez-Sotelo@gamestop.com