Auction Of TouchTunes' Digital Jukebox Brings In Nearly $60,000 For Non-Profit Organization Dedicated To Helping The Families Of Cancer Patients

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 06 Nov 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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TouchTunes, the largest on-location digital entertainment network, recently donated a limited edition digital jukebox to an auction organized by Michael's Way, a non-profit organization whose goal is to help the families of children with cancer to cope with the extraordinary expenses associated with medical care. The black and yellow jukebox is one of three in existence that is decorated in the LIVESTRONG theme as part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Grassroots Fundraising campaign. The auction was part of an annual golf tournament which is Michael's Way's largest fundraising event. This year the event raised an astounding $800,000.

The jukebox raked in $55,000 for Michael's Way and the winner chose to donate the jukebox to another charitable organization, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Michael's Way founder Chris McElsee was instrumental in establishing the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, which was the very first in the country. Today Michael's Way continues to partner with Ronald McDonald House to help families in need.

TouchTunes created this special edition jukebox in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. These jukeboxes are made especially for charity events and are not available for sale. "TouchTunes is a strong supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and other organizations that dedicate themselves to helping those fighting cancer," said TouchTunes CEO Art Matin. "Michael's Way is a commendable organization and we are proud to be involved with its mission." Individual contributions for TouchTunes efforts can be made online at www.livestrong.org/grassroots/touchtunes.

TouchTunes has volunteered to install the jukebox free of cost and one of its operators, Automatic Coin Vending, has generously offered to service it at no charge to the Ronald McDonald House. Michael Lee of Automatic Vending stated, "We are pleased to be partnered with TouchTunes for such a worthy cause and donating our time to the Ronald McDonald House is a rewarding way for us to give back to the community."

About TouchTunes

TouchTunes is the largest on-location digital entertainment network, providing innovative solutions to nearly 30,000 bars, restaurants, retailers and other businesses in North America. TouchTunes introduced the world's first digital-downloading, pay-per-play commercial jukebox in 1998 and now operates the largest network of digital jukeboxes and digital entertainment systems, playing over 1.4 million songs per day. TouchTunes maintains a digital music library covering more than one million fully-licensed songs from every major record label, plus independent music distributors and a host of indie labels.

A privately held U.S. corporation, TouchTunes Music Corporation's principal offices are in New York, Montreal, Canada; and Lake Zurich, IL.

About Michael's Way

The mission of Michael's Way is to help the families of children with cancer to cope with the extraordinary expenses that come about as a direct result of the child's illness. Chris McElwee, the founder of Michael's Way, lost a brother to leukemia and was made aware of the unique problems that accompany cancer. While there are numerous organizations that assist people with medical expenses, there are very few that can be of help with other necessary expenses. Michael's Way was founded to fill this need. Families of children in treatment are eligible to apply for funds to pay for needed expenditures such as rent, mortgage, utility bills, childcare, and transportation to and from the hospital, etc. Applications are made through the child's social worker who assesses need and priority.

http://www.michaelsway.org