Chattanooga’s Classic Arcade Pinball Museum joined with charity Project Pinball to install a Hot Wheels pinball machine Tuesday at the Ronald McDonald House on Central Avenue.
The pinball machine was installed in the house’s teen lounge, where patients, their families and even the house’s staff can take a break and relieve some stress by playing a game of pinball. The installation and dedication of the machine was made possible through a fundraising campaign among the Chattanooga pinball community that raised about $8,500.
(READ MORE: Pinball makes a comeback at interactive museum in downtown Chattanooga)
The fundraising campaign was a big undertaking, according to Casey Oliver, a pinball lover who worked with the pinball museum on the campaign. The pinball museum hosted tournaments to raise funds, and in the process, had to 3D print trophies and make flyers, shirts and other promotional materials, Oliver said in an interview.
“It’s just been an overall huge effort, a massive learning experience, and to see it finally come to a head is amazing,” Oliver said.