Contribution to Help Grant the Wishes of Children with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions Around the World
PHOENIX -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --
The Make-A-Wish Foundation today announced a $800,000 donation from Blizzard Entertainment, a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software. The donation is based on 50 percent of the total sales during November and December 2010 of a special in-game pet, the Moonkin Hatchling, for Blizzard's award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft®.
Blizzard Entertainment celebrated the donation on World Wish Day®, April 29, by granting the wishes of two boys at the company's headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Blizzard welcomed the two gaming enthusiasts and their families to enjoy an exclusive learning experience with the World of Warcraft development team, including an inside look at how the game is created.
World Wish Day is the Make-A-Wish Foundation's global celebration of wish granting. The Make-A-Wish Foundation honored the day that sparked a global wish-granting movement by granting wishes in 41 countries that it serves. More than 250,000 children with life-threatening medical conditions around the world have received their fondest wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"We've had a long relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and are proud to help contribute to the great work they do for children," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We're also proud of the spirit and generosity of our players - their enthusiasm for World of Warcraft and for supporting a good cause made this donation possible."
The contribution will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, which serves children in the United States and its territories, and Make-A-Wish Foundation International, which serves children outside the United States in 40 countries.
"Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players around the world are helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation again this year to improve the quality of life for children with life-threatening medical conditions through this generous donation," said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. "Children who have their wishes granted feel stronger, more self-confident and are more willing to fight their conditions. Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players are giving an incredible gift to these courageous children."
"The global nature of Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players makes this collaboration incredibly special. It's supporters like Blizzard and its players that give our organization the ability to grow our wish-granting efforts around the globe," said Jon Stettner, Make-A-Wish Foundation International president and chief executive officer. "The continued support of Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players has allowed for hundreds of children around the globe to have their most cherished wishes granted by the Foundation. Thank you on behalf of the Foundation and the children we serve."
About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world's leading children's charities. With the help of generous donors and more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 250,000 wishes worldwide. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, visit wish.org, and for Make-A-Wish Foundation International, visit worldwish.org.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.: Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.
CONTACT:
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
Brent Goodrich, 602-792-3185
Media Relations Manager
bgoodrich@wish.org
or
Make-A-Wish Foundation International
Sioban Kerr, 602-792-3344
Marketing Communications Manager
skerr@worldwish.org