A first-of-its-kind virtual lemonade stand will raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
IRVINE, Calif., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Is there any better cup of
lemonade to buy than one that works to find a cure for pediatric cancer? The
world's first virtual lemonade stand goes live tomorrow, selling very special
cups of lemonade on behalf of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).
For only $1 each, anyone can purchase virtual cups of lemonade at the
online lemonade stand, http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com. 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.
"Pediatric cancer affects the lives of far too many families in our
country," said Doug Speck, president and chief executive officer for Volvo
Cars of North America. "Our mission, as a founding sponsor of ALSF, has been
bringing awareness to the cause and raising money to help these kids.
Purchasing virtual cups of lemonade -- and sharing them online -- is simple,
fun and it helps ALSF in a big way."
Volvo is kicking off the grand opening of the stand by purchasing the
first 200,000 cups. One hundred percent of the virtual lemonade stand
proceeds go to ALSF.
Cups of lemonade purchased at http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com between
June 25 and July 31, 2008, will help find a cure for pediatric cancer and even
save Volvo owners money on their next service appointment at Volvo
dealerships.
For every cup purchased on the site during this time period, Volvo drivers
will receive a discount for the same amount, up to $100, on their next service
visit at any U.S. Volvo retailer. Service discounts are redeemable Sept. 1,
2008 through Aug. 31, 2009.
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 honors 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 $19 million.
More About Volvo
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corp.
of Goteborg, 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 and Mexico.
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 $19 million towards
fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 80 research projects
nationally including those examining leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma,
Wilm's tumor, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma among others.
SOURCE Volvo Cars of North America