COURTLAND—While planning a party, Lamar and Crystal White found a way to make extra money.

The Courtland couple recently took over Space Walk of Suffolk, a franchise that rents inflatable bounces houses and concessions for parties and events. The Whites learned about the opportunity when looking to rent an inflatable bounce house for their daughter, Aliyah’s, 7th birthday party.

Business has gone better than expected.

“We expected eight rentals a month,” Lamar White said. “We are doing eight a week and have had 50 rentals since May.”

The couple took over the franchise from the Suffolk owner and kept the name for recognition purposes. The Whites serve Suffolk, Franklin and Emporia; Southampton, Sussex, Surry and Isle of Wight counties; and part of North Carolina.

So far, they have participated in Suffolk National Night Out and the Applewood Farms, also in Suffolk. They also donated the use of three bounce houses for the Cover 3 Community Day at the Walmart in Franklin on Aug. 18.

“We would like to thank Space Walk of Suffolk for donating the bounce houses,” said Cover 3 Chief Executive Officer Greg Scott. “It was because of their generous donation that we were able to receive almost 1,500 canned good items and raise $175 for our C3’s Kid’s Meal Program.”

“I am truly excited for Lamar and his family,” Scott continued. “He and I played ball together in high school and it’s always great to see others achieving success.”

The Whites have seven bounces houses for rent, which cost $175 to $225 a day. The fee includes delivery, setup and pickup. They also rent snow cone, cotton candy and popcorn machines.

As business increases so will the Whites’ rental inventory. They also work with franchises in Yorktown, Chester and Moyock, N.C.

“We can borrow over 100 pieces of inventory,” said White, a chemical operator for Ashland.

Space Walk of Suffolk can be reached at 757-346-9020 or by visiting, www.herecomesfun.com/suffolk.