Chuck E. Cheese is celebrating World Autism Month with sensory-friendly events, fundraisers and special film screenings as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for the autism community.
In addition to the the Downtown Brooklyn location's monthly Sensory Sensitive Sundays on April 6, Chuck E. Cheese will host its annual national Sensory Sensitive Sundays event at fun centers across the U.S. and Canada from 9-11 a.m. local time on Sunday, April 27, with 20% of sales from the day up to $30,000 going to Autism Speaks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.
Launched in 2017, Sensory Sensitive Sundays have supported thousands of children and families on the spectrum at select locations by opening two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to provide an environment with dimmed lighting and lower volume so that kids with sensory sensitivities can enjoy all that Chuck E. Cheese has to offer. Five years ago, Chuck E. Cheese launched an ongoing national initiative with Autism Speaks to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusiveness for autistic children while providing a safe, fun environment where families feel supported.
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This year, Chuck E. Cheese is expanding its commitment to the autistic community through a new partnership with Shine Global, a nonprofit media company dedicated to improving children’s lives through powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action and inspire change. Together, they will develop exclusive content that will be shared on screens at nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers nationwide. Additionally, on Friday, April 18, 20% of all sales will be donated to Shine Global. To participate, guests must present a Shine Global fundraising voucher, available at ChuckECheese.com, at the checkout.
Chuck E. Cheese, in partnership with Autism Speaks and Shine Global, premiered the production company’s latest film, “Comedy Against the Odds,” directed by six-time Daytime Emmy-winner Suzanne Luna, at a private screening in its Downtown Brooklyn location on April 2. The wonderful film short follows 10-year-old Austin Eletto, an aspiring stand-up comedian with autism, as he uses comedy to challenge stereotypes and embrace his identity. You can view it as part of the REELABILITIES NY Film Festival through April 9.
“During World Autism Month and throughout the entire year, Chuck E. Cheese is dedicated to leading the family entertainment industry with our commitment to promote awareness among our guests and employees and through our partnership with Autism Speaks,” said CEC Entertainment President and CEO David McKillips. “This year, we are extending our advocacy work even further with Shine Global, allowing us to provide a platform and opportunity for voices like Austin’s to be heard by millions of guests visiting our fun centers.”
“Austin’s story is a powerful message of resilience, determination and courage,” said Albie Hecht, co-founder of Shine Global and the film’s producer. “Through our partnership with Chuck E. Cheese, we will be able to provide additional opportunities for Shine Global to leverage the brand’s entertainment programs to connect with a new audience and provide access to resources for kids like Austin and their families.”
Throughout April, Chuck E. Cheese will also hold the following fundraisers:
- A round-up campaign at all fun centers will encourage guests to round up their purchases to the next dollar at checkout to donate the difference to Autism Speaks.
- Guests who place orders online can add $1, $3 or $5 donations to Autism Speaks at checkout.
- The Chuck E. Cheese Online Shop will donate 10% of profits from all April sales to Autism Speaks.
The money raised from these fundraisers will support various Autism Speaks initiatives, including global research, advocacy, no-cost resources and referral support to address the needs of autistic individuals throughout their lives.
“In our 20th year of supporting the autism community, Autism Speaks is more committed than ever to creating a world where total acceptance and opportunities for all are guaranteed. Chuck E. Cheese has helped us make tremendous strides toward this vision over the last five years,” said Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo. “Creating inclusive experiences for autistic children paves the way for greater inclusion in health care, education and employment, making Chuck E. Cheese’s efforts invaluable in redefining what’s possible for people with autism at all stages of life.”
Chuck E. Cheese also participates in Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN)™, Autism Speaks’ employment program that brings together people with autism and related conditions, communities and employers to build and support inclusive, welcoming workplaces. Chuck E. Cheese trains team members across all fun centers to ensure that every guest, inclusive of people on the autism spectrum, enjoys a safe, fun-filled visit.
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