BounceU details Forks operations

The grand opening of BounceU's new location at the Park Plaza on Sullivan Trail in is Sunday.

officials detailed their arrival in a press release this week, saying they can't wait to show the public their popular party and recreation destination.

“We’ve always had a special place in our hearts and in our stores for kids who are in foster care, and we know that many of them lack some of the simplest things that other children in permanent homes take for granted — like school backpacks. With the help of our customers, we’re going to change that when we celebrate the grand opening of our new location in Forks Township,” BounceU Lehigh Valley owner Mike Principato said.

Local officials are anxiously awaiting BounceU's arrival.

"We are thrilled to welcome BounceU, owner Mike Principato, and his entire team to the Park Plaza complex in Forks Township," said Alison Miers, vice president of Easton initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. "The Forks Township business community is growing at a steady rate, and BounceU is a perfect new addition. BounceU satisfies an untapped market in the township and adds jobs locally."

As part of BounceU Lehigh Valley’s “Bounce It Forward” charitable program, which donates thousands of dollars worth of free parties, passes and merchandise annually to local family service nonprofit agencies, BounceU Lehigh Valley will donate school backpacks to agencies in the Greater Lehigh Valley Foster Care Coalition, which will distribute them to school students in foster care.

Throughout the weekend of July 13-15, all three BounceU Lehigh Valley locations will celebrate the grand opening of the newest store by holding “open bounce” events that are open to the public and free…with a catch, adds Principato.

“The ‘price’ of admission is a donation of at least $5 worth of school supplies per guest.

"We’re expecting hundreds of customers to check out the new Forks Township location, and at least that many to visit our South Whitehall and Bethlehem Township stores over the grand opening weekend. We’ll take the supplies donated during those free events and use them to fill the backpacks—and we’re prepared to buy as many backpacks as we need to accommodate the supplies we collect,” Principato said.

BounceU features a layout and operation similar to the Bethlehem and Allentown stores.

The facilities are extremely popular with active-minded kids and parents who enjoy each center’s huge “bounce stadiums” filled with the company’s exclusive, giant interactive inflatable rides and games, 100 percent private party packages and well-trained staff of high-energy “party pros,” most of whom are top students at area high schools and colleges.

Twenty-five new employees who have been training at the Bethlehem store will transfer to BounceU Forks Township; the company employs about 100 in all.

General Manager Carissa Santos says the phones have been busy with customers inquiring about the new location.

“We think the new store will be very convenient for current and new customers who live in New Jersey, the Pocono Mountain region and the northeastern portion of the Valley, since it’s within a 25-minute drive of any of those areas,” she says.

Miers said she's impressed by BounceU's commitment to the community.

"There is certainly something to be said about businesses giving back to those less fortunate in the community. BounceU is taking their grand opening and adding on a special fundraising event that benefits everyone involved," she said.

The “Bounce It Forward” program not only encourages others to give back to the community, but it also sets a good example for the children who will enjoy BounceU this weekend, Miers added.

"Businesses who give back to the community see a return in their investment through support of other local businesses, residents and township visitors. It is cyclical," she said.