FREDERICKSBURG, VA — On Friday night, the Ghostbusters of Virginia are coming to Reclaim Arcade in Fredericksburg. The suited-up volunteers will host photo opportunities as the two organizations raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Reclaim Arcade boasts more than 70 arcade and pinball games that are set to “free play” mode. On Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., players can purchase a pass for $15 and play as many arcade games as they’d like. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Ghostbusters is a theme that fits so well with an 80s arcade like ours,” owner Tim Owens told Patch. “It’s an iconic movie franchise with films still being produced and we even have a Ghostbusters pinball machine so it seemed like the perfect fit to have them come out to help raise money for charity.”
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Ghostbusters Virginia is a non-profit organization started by fans of the classic franchise. They dress up in their own flight suits, attend events, and help raise money for charity.
Jeff Foxwell is the public relations liaison for Ghostbusters Virginia.
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“We give back to our community through our love of Ghostbusters,” Foxwell told Patch on Friday. Typically, they give back by soliciting donations for charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Owens told Patch that donating the funds to Make-A-Wish was an easy choice.
“The money goes directly to impacting kids lives which is, in essence, what we are hoping to do at Reclaim Arcade for a younger generation,” Owens said.
Foxwell shared similar sentiments. He noted that Virginia’s Ghostbusters occasionally assist other charities as well, but the Make-A-Wish Foundation is their go-to. In 2022, the Virginia Ghostbusters were among Virginia’s top five donors to Make-A-Wish.
Foxwell told Patch that the connection with Make-A-Wish traces back to childhood memories and helping children in need.
“Ghostbusters, for a lot of us, is a core childhood memory. We identify Ghostbusters with the happiness of being children,” Foxwell said. “For us, it goes back to that core childhood memory and then helping kids.”
Reclaim Arcade tries to host a handful of similar charity events each year. The local 501st legion, a Star Wars cosplay group, has attended charity events at the arcade each of the past two years.
“Turnout is always great for these, it’s a fun way to enjoy the arcade and support a great cause while having a blast,” Owens said.
After the Ghostbusters event, Reclaim Arcade will have live music until 1 a.m. The facility recently expanded to host a larger bar and seating area.
Ghostbusters, Virginia is currently asking for submissions from local children for a new mascot through their create-a-ghost contest. More information about the contest is available online.
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