WASHINGTON – When 9-year-old Caine Monroy created his cardboard arcade, national attention and a college fund were likely the last thing on his mind. He just wanted people to play his games.
But one video and a website later, Monroy’s creations have gone viral and he has already raised more than $100,000 towards his education.
Like so many happy endings, the good fortune does not stop there.
Inspired by the heartwarming story, pinball enthusiast and arcade owner Molly Atkinson invited Monroy to stop by her Los Angeles storefront, Pins and Needles. She was so impressed with the young entrepreneur that she offered him one of her many pinball machines for free, including a rare game called “Big Brave” that goes for $3,000.
“He’d never played a real pinball machine before,” Atkinson says. “He really took to the Gottleib EMs.”
During his after-school visit, Monroy also got to meet pinball champ Keith Elwin and other pro players.
There is no word yet on which game he will take home.
“It’s such a treat that he came by,” Atkinson says. “I just love him [and] that enthusiasm!”
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