| CONTACTJonathan Zarov
Director of Marketing
P: (608) 354-0149
C: (608) 335-2783
Email |
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MADISON, Wis. (July 24, 2019)—The American Girl Benefit Sale, held July 20 and 21, 2019, in Middleton, Wisconsin, grossed approximately $1 million. This two-day event offers authentic American Girl dolls, books and accessories at discounted prices. Proceeds support the exhibits and programs of Madison Children’s Museum and provide grants for organizations serving children throughout Dane County, via American Girl’s Fund for Children. The sale this year attracted 4,800 shoppers from all over the U.S. and internationally—with attendees arriving from four continents. “We’re proud to support Madison Children’s Museum and hundreds of other area nonprofits through this legendary benefit sale,” says American Girl spokesperson Julie Parks. “Over the past 30 years, the sale has allowed us to turn a large donation of product into major grants, totaling more than $11 million to date, to support arts and environmental programs for children through places like Overture Center for the Arts, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and numerous others. We love seeing the positive impact this partnership has had on our community, area nonprofits, and, most importantly, on the thousands of children they serve.” Over the past 32 years, Madison Children’s Museum has restored and resold overstock and returned merchandise donated by American Girl/Mattel. The benefit sale serves as the children’s museum’s largest fundraiser and has raised a total of approximately $24 million. A dedicated corps of around 50 museum volunteers work year-round to prepare for the event, with an additional 150 on-site during the sale. More than 12,000 volunteer hours are logged annually. “What a joyful weekend! Despite the high heat and storms, guests and volunteers were delighted to share in the excitement of dolls, books, and accessories—bringing all the joy and learning that comes from play and reading. The generosity of American Girl and Mattel truly brings to life this year’s theme, ‘Dolls Doing Good,'” says Deb Gilpin, CEO of Madison Children’s Museum. Next year’s sale will be held July 18 and 19. Find out more about the sale at BenefitSale.info. |
