Caine's Arcade To Launch 'Global Cardboard Challenge'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — While hanging out at his father's used auto parts store in Boyle Heights, 9-year-old Caine Monroy collected enough cardboard boxes to build an elaborate arcade – complete with games, tickets and prizes – at the shop's main entrance.
One day, filmmaker Nirvan Mullick stopped in to buy a part and became Caine's first customer.
Mullick then used Hidden Los Angeles' Facebook page to spread the word about the inventive set-up and arranged for a flash mob to visit the arcade last October.
Crowds of people showed up, making Caine's dream of owning a popular arcade a reality.
Mullick captured it all on video and posted the boy's touching reaction on Vimeo. It went viral, and so far, has gotten more than 3.6 million hits.
The Imagination Foundation is now launching the first-ever Global Cardboard Challenge on Oct. 6, the one-year anniversary of the flash mob that came out to make Caine's day.
A scholarship fund has also been set up for Caine, whose arcade is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment.
