Tornado Terry's Family Amusement Center expected to close Aug. 9 shortly after celebrating its 35th anniversary, but an anonymous helper and a supportive community gave the arcade another chance to remain open.
What's happening?
Owner Shannon Bell said the business had been suffering due to ongoing road construction along Keller Hicks Road, making it hard to access. She was already beginning to auction off equipment when the business was extended a lifeline.
A longtime patron with business and marketing experience convinced Bell not to close the arcade and brought up the idea of a GoFundMe to raise money to keep the Tornado Terry's open.
Bell has not looked at the dollar amount raised by the fundraiser because she believes people will give what they can and she would rather see the final amount once the fundraiser is over. Still, she said her most memorable donation was from a young boy who wanted to donate his four quarters to her.
Media coverage and word of mouth have led to a few busy weekends and Bell is reinvesting that money into keeping Tornado Terry’s stocked and open.
Although Bell’s helper asked her to keep him anonymous, she said it's nice not to be alone in planning the future of the amusement center the way she has been since her husband Terry passed away in 2023.
Zooming in
The link to the GoFundMe was posted on the business’ Facebook Aug. 19 and has raised more than $12,000 of its $100K goal as of Aug. 24.
The description of the GoFundMe mentions possible expansions for the business, including a full kitchen and improved parking. The money would also be used to hire employees to help run the arcade, according to the listing.
“If people want to know what they can do to help, just come have a great time,” Bell said.
