(BPT) - For kids with critical illnesses, having a cherished wish fulfilled makes a huge difference in their lives. Children and families facing heartbreaking experiences, including difficult medical diagnoses, hospital stays and more, receive a welcome lift to their spirits and moments of shared joy thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, staff and corporate partners that help Make-A-Wish bring wishes to life.
Celebrating a remarkable milestone this year is Dave & Buster's, which has reached an outstanding $20 million in fundraising for Make-A-Wish since they first became a partner in 2012 - helping to grant over 1,700 wishes to children battling critical illnesses.
In 2012, Dave & Buster's hosted its first national customer donation campaign, pledging to raise $120,000. Their result far surpassed their pledge, raising nearly $500,000 that first year. By 2015, Dave & Buster's had become a Wish Champion partner, reaching $1 million plus raised annually, and the company has continued to raise that amount and more every year.
"Witnessing Dave & Buster's reach the $20 million milestone is an incredible achievement and a true testament to the power of the partnership," said Leslie Motter, President & CEO, Make-A-Wish America. "We couldn't bring joy into the lives of wish kids and their families without the help of great corporate partners like Dave & Buster's. This partnership highlights the incredible power of community to turn wishes into reality for so many children."
Memorable moments at Dave & Buster's
Beyond their epic fundraising efforts on behalf of children with critical illnesses, Dave & Buster's has also become an integral part of Make-A-Wish by hosting hundreds - if not thousands - of wish parties.
The company has enjoyed hosting Make-A-Wish events, including fulfilling celebrity meet-and-greet wishes at many of their venues. Popular YouTuber and actor Guava Juice, also known as Roi Fabito, shared his favorite arcade hacks and played games with Wish Kid Jude. And Ryan Kaji, child star of the "Ryan's World" YouTube Channel, helped fulfill several children's wishes to meet him and play together for a day of fun at Dave & Buster's.
For the past 13 years, Dave & Buster's has been a big part of numerous wish experiences such as welcome receptions and special watch parties for major sporting events, plus many all-important wish reveal parties, where Make-A-Wish volunteers get to share the big news with wish kids and their families that their wish is being granted.
Creative fundraising efforts
To continue generating enthusiasm and raising awareness for Make-A-Wish, Dave & Buster's has spearheaded a wide variety of creative fundraising approaches over the past 13 years, including:
- Customer donation campaigns
- Charity Benefits Unlimited silent auctions
- Menu items triggering a donation
- Local chapter/regional fundraising
- Employee donations/payroll deductions
- Donation of food and beverage (F&B) and Power cards in support of wish-granting initiatives
New opportunities to participate
Adding to this years-long partnership, Dave & Buster's will be launching new fundraising opportunities this year to help raise even more funds for Make-A-Wish in about 150 locations across the United States, plus two locations in Canada.
For example, Dave & Buster's has a new featured item, the Strawberry Shortcake, with $1 from every order donated to Make-A-Wish. You can also test your skills at throwback arcade games where proceeds are donated to Make-A-Wish. These popular "throwback" games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong accept a cash donation to begin play, with 100% of that donation going to Make-A-Wish.
Learn more about how Dave & Buster's continues to help fulfilling wishes for kids, and how you can participate, at Wish.org/dave-and-busters.