Story dated September 28, 2005

Nobody could be unaware of the devastation left by hurricane Katrina on the American states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but the relief effort is being helped thanks to the work of some pinball fans.

The Free State Pinball Association (FSPA) and the Volleyball House held a joint fundraising pinball and volleyball event on Saturday September 24th in Elkridge, MD - 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Just over $1900 was raised for the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief fund from the entrance fee, tournament entries, pinball raffle,
auction and coin drop.

Twenty five machines were there, brought both by local operators and FSPA league members, including: NASCAR, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Black Knight 2000, Doctor Who,Spectrum, Special Force, Eight Ball Deluxe, Sopranos, Maverick, Meteor, Simpsons Pinball Party, Road Show, Monster Bash, Asteroid Annie and the Aliens, Seawitch, High Speed, No Good Gofers, Baywatch, The Shadow, Demolition Man, World Cup Soccer, Road Show, Theatre of Magic and Monopoly.

The pinball tournament side of the event featured two divisions, with four machines reserved for tournament play in each division. The tournament was run using a modified PAPA format for qualifying, with four players qualifying for head-to-head elimination play in the finals. Chris Newsom won the A-division tournament, taking home a new NASCAR playfield (courtesy of Stern Pinball) for his efforts, while Rudy Keiser won the B-division.

Besides the tournament and open play, there was also a pinball raffle, featuring a variety of donated items, including a selection of NOS Translites from Stern, and a silent auction for the coveted first player number for next year's PAPA. Scott Sidley won PAPA Player #101, which was donated by Kevin Martin.

With the great lineup of both rare and recent machines, the pinball tournament and plenty of volleyball play, a great time was had by all, while raising money to help out the relief effort for those who truly need it.

For more information about the FSPA and pinball leagues in Maryland and Virginia, please visit: http://fspazone.org/