Fans Across America Charitable Foundation Unites Sports Fans to Help Support Families with Seriously Ill Children in Phoenix

PHOENIX - August 2, 2007 - The Fans Across America Charitable Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, has launched in the Valley of the Sun with a goal of helping families with seriously ill children better face the financial burden that comes with a life-altering diagnosis, allowing them to better focus on what really matters… their child.

Fans Across America raises funds to help affected families by offering an annual membership providing valuable discounts at professional and collegiate sporting events, golf courses, retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, services and travel destinations. Several leading organizations already offer discounts, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers, Arizona Science Center, F1 Race Factory, Gold Canyon Golf Resort and SportClips; and the list is growing.

Funds raised through membership sales and charitable giving are used to help families pay for some "life" expenses associated with an illness. Fans Across America provides direct support by working with the family to help them pay the mortgage or buy groceries; and indirect support by providing resources to other like-minded organizations.

"Have you thought about what you would do if your child was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness? Would you be able to take time away from work to be with your sick child and still be able to pay your mortgage, rent or even afford groceries? Unfortunately, that is the harsh reality that countless families face every day," said founder Bruce Petillo.

Every year, families are forced into bankruptcy because of the medical and other expenses associated with the serious illness of a child. Add in the fact that between 65 to 70 percent of households live paycheck to paycheck and it is easy to see how the financial impact of the diagnosis can often be insurmountable. In fact, a 2005 Harvard study found that medical bills and illness played a roll in nearly half of all bankruptcies.

"The sports community is extremely influential in our society, yet there really hasn't been an effort to bring all of the pieces together for a sustained, cause-related endeavor," Petillo said. "Fans Across America is filling that void by building a community of fans, athletes and all those associated with professional and collegiate sports to help make a difference in the lives of these families during the most difficult times."

How Fans Across America Works
The annual cost of membership is $50, providing fans and families with the opportunity to save money while making a difference in the lives of families with seriously ill children.

Fans Across America discount partners have access to an excellent marketing tool. Unlike other discount and coupon programs, discount partners are able to modify their discount offering at any time, providing their organization with marketing flexibility and ensuring Fans Across America members continually receive new discount offers. Additionally, discount partners participate for free in the program, making this a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.

"Fans Across America has developed a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in people's lives," said Petillo. "By simply becoming part of the Fans Across America community, members not only save money, but they can help save families, and that is the true value of this organization."

For more information, including the latest discount partner programs, please visit www.fansacrossamerica.org.