ArcadeAid - Saving America One Quarter at a Time

April 1 - Video game activists announced plans today for a nationwide event they hope will save one of America's most cherished institutions: arcades.

Dubbed "ArcadeAid," organizers are planning a ten-day, ten-city festival of gaming and good times to raise awareness of this beleaguered industry's plight. Said national event coordinator Jeremy Andreason, 16, "With the advent of so-called 'home entertainment systems' and corporate-run 'full-service entertainment venues,' it is our fear that the local 'mom-and-pop' arcades will go the way of the drive-in and the Sega Saturn. And that is an America in which I would not like to live."

Modeled after hugely successful entertainment events like BandAid, LiveAid, and FarmAid, ArcadeAid will bring together America's greatest video game players from yesteryear and today on one stage for a grand spectacle of video game competitions and exhibitions. "Make no mistake," said Andreason, "these are the best in the business. We already have the legendary Todd 'Mr. Ms. Pac-Man' Simms on board - America's greatest video game hero, crowned champion on 1980s TV show That's Incredible."

Andreason noted that other professional players have pledged to appear, though he declined to elaborate, citing that negotiations have yet to be finalized with the agents representing the players of the Professional Gamers League. To complete the grassroots objective of the event, however, promoters plan to invite local talent in each locale to participate. Andreason stressed that ArcadeAid is unlike other gaming-related festivals, such as "Quarters Across America" and "The March of Tokens," in that the monies raised here will go solely to those who need it the most: owners of local arcades.

Both local and national sponsors have pledged start-up money to help launch this campaign to save America's arcades. Lexus, Rolex, Merrill Lynch, and Boone Farm's Winery have all pledged support. Said Merrill Lynch's PR representative Brenda Jacobs, "America's arcades are in dire straits, and we feel it is our duty to help in any way we can. We're confident gamers will remember that we were there when the arcades needed our support. Plus, the association with the rebellious, anti-social nature of arcades in general and gamers specifically are perfect mirrored by our radical line financial products and services. " Added Jacobs, "Game on!"

Said Andreason, "Only together can we save the local arcades, my friends. One quarter at a time."

While exact dates are still being finalized, cities planned for the tour are:

West: Strawberry, CA; Elko, NV; Woodslanding, WY

Midwest: Edgerton, MN; Coralville, IA; Phlugerville, TX

East: Avendale, PA; Rome, NY; Rehoboth, MA; Suches, GA