Buddy's Arcade: Fostering Artistic Growth and Supporting Local Schools with $2,500 fundraiser

From Albert Nance, owner of Buddy’s Arcade:

Cascade Locks, Ore., March 5, 2025 — For the second year in a row, Buddy's Arcade, a vibrant community hub in Cascade Locks for all ages, is celebrating remarkable success in supporting student art and giving back to the community.

Buddy's Arcade has continued its fundraising initiative to provide much-needed art supplies for the local Cascade Locks Elementary School.

"Art is an equalizer in the success of students,” said Albert Nance, owner of Buddy's Arcade. “Studies have shown, regardless of socioeconomic conditions, art in a student’s life has been linked to higher success in adulthood, fewer absences, improved grades, and helped in comprehension of math, science, and writing. Being able to play a small part in the success of our area students with something as simple as art means the world to us. This was a labor of love and is a testament to the incredible generosity and community spirit that exists within Cascade Locks."

Buddy's Arcade raised donation funds via local student art in their Arcade. They then organized a fundraising match campaign from local businesses to raise additional funds for art supplies.

Thanks to the collective efforts of Buddy's Arcade and these contributing businesses, Buddy's Arcade itself, Columbia Gorge Inn, Gorges Beer Co, Pfriem Brewing, Fine Line Engraving, Gorge Canoe Club, Cascade Locks PTO, Grain Integrative Health, Lorang Fine Art, Greene Bronze, Cascade Locks KOA, Bike the Gorge, and PCT Days, a substantial amount was raised, reflecting the community's commitment to nurturing young artistic talent and providing resources for creative expression.

With these funds, Buddy's Arcade partnered with area small business art supplier, Tokki Art Supply, to purchase the entire list of school-requested art supplies for the local elementary school for the second year in a row.

Buddy's Arcade invites the Gorge community to continue supporting local artists, supporting local businesses, and fostering creativity by promoting art at every level.