Whhhhrr, click, click, click, ching, ching, ching, ca-ching! The sounds of a pinball machine are gratifying to a player as the points pile up. With some luck, the sweet cacophony of this inside entertainment option will continue to ring from a family-friendly space in Beaumont Village (4605 N.E. Fremont St., #104).
With a challenging year-and-a-half under its belt in its first brick and mortar location on Fremont, the Pinball Outreach Project (POP) may get the financial shot in the arm it needs this December. Through the work of a Beaumont-Wilshire freelance writer, POP will be featured in the “Living Your Best Life” section of The Oprah Magazine, often referred to simply as “O.” This popular magazine with a national readership may shape what happens next for this unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit business dedicated to improving children’s lives through pinball play.
Nicole Reik, founder and executive director of POP, said funding for the nonprofit has been an ongoing struggle, and covering the rent is getting tougher. She hopes the Oprah Magazine article will bring local and national attention—and money—to her effort.
“We expected a typical seasonal flow of business, but when Smallwares (a Beaumont Village restaurant next door) closed, we saw foot traffic and revenue decrease significantly.”
Reik explained that while the O article was originally intended to focus on her decision to step away from a career as an accounting manager to pursue her nonprofit passion and help kids, the story morphed to include a great deal about the Pinball Outreach Project. She said the O editors were intrigued by POP’s work. “I think it’s great,” Reik said. “POP is not about me, and I’m so glad it will get this extensive exposure.”
The organization runs with an all-volunteer staff. The current POP business model provides kids with ample opportunities for free use of the organization’s approximately one dozen pinball machines of various vintages. Donations, party rents, and admission fees during pay-to-play hours provide the dollars it needs for outreach efforts, maintaining the machines, and covering the rent. POP’s outreach includes bringing pinball machines to children’s hospitals and hosting Portland Public Schools students at POP’s Fremont space—all at no charge. Reik believes pinball provides a positive distraction from an ill or healthy child’s life: “When we take our machines to Randall Children’s Hospital, for example, we see kids who are sick move out of a negative mindset through learning about and playing the game.” For a healthy child, Reik takes pleasure in watching children gain confidence as they master the game. “For shy kids, or those with confidence issues, pinball is a great equalizer—everyone can learn how to play.”
Hours of operation vary according to volunteer staffing. Visit PinballOutreach.org for more information, including open hours, volunteer opportunities, and how to make a donation. For more background, visit the BWNA website (www.bwna.us) and read about Pinball Outreach in the July-August 2015 newsletter.