'We've all been trying it out already this morning as a staff and are already seeing laughter, and you can tell people are just relaxed and having a good time,' Commons said.Ĭommons thanked those who helped make the pinball installation possible. Prior to the dedication ceremony, Commons and other staff members were able to see firsthand the benefits of having the machine at the house. (READ MORE: New president of Chattanooga's Ronald McDonald House is in 'friend-raising' mode)

Having the pinball machine aligns with the Ronald McDonald House's efforts to provide patients and families with opportunities to relax and focus on things other than their circumstances, Tiffany Commons, the house charity's senior vice president of development and operations, said in an interview. 'They're dealing with a lot of things that are scary in this setting, and we're just trying to bring that comfort to the patients and their whole family.' 'When it comes down to it, kids just want to be kids,' Spolar said. The machines help distract patients and their families from the high stress of their medical situations through the fun and excitement of the game, Project Pinball Senior Director Daniel Spolar 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.Ĭhattanooga was the first stop on Project Pinball's annual Love Across America Tour, which will see the nonprofit organization install and dedicate pinball machines at children's hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses across the nation. 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. The fundraising campaign was a big undertaking, according to Casey Oliver, a pinball lover who worked with the pinball museum on the campaign. (READ MORE: Pinball makes a comeback at interactive museum in downtown Chattanooga) The installation and dedication of the machine was made possible through a fundraising campaign among the Chattanooga pinball community that raised about $8,500. 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. 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.

Free instal Pinball Star