STRIDE, THE RIDICULOUSLY LONG LASTING GUM Announces $25,000 Save the Arcades 2 Winner!

STRIDE, THE RIDICULOUSLY LONG LASTING GUM Announces $25,000 Save the Arcades 2 Winner!

Stride, The Ridiculously Long Lasting Gum is excited to announce that Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade of Portland Oregon is the winner of Stride's Save the Arcades 2 program. Save the Arcades 2 followed in the footsteps of the first Save the Arcades program in 2009, which invited gamers to play an arcade-style game online and donate points to one of three gamer-nominated arcades competing for $25,000.

Ground Kontrol was founded in 1999 and was later purchased by five lifelong pinball and video game fans. The arcade keeps the classic arcade alive, both for those nostalgic for days gone by, as well as for those who have never experienced a real arcade. Ground Kontrol plans to use the money to add space to their second floor, and more classic games for everyone to enjoy.

Gamers were invited to visit www.savethearcades.com from April 20 ~ June 15 to play Cowbots 2010, an outrageous shooter game developed especially for Stride Gum that pits man against ''moochine.'' After completing the game, players then donated their points to one of three gamer-nominated arcade finalists from across the country. With 624,871,000 points, Ground Kontrol racked up the most points at the end of the competition and will be awarded the $25,000 winning prize.

''Stride is excited to award Ground Kontrol with $25,000 and help support this classic American pastime,'' said Nipa Shah, Stride marketing manager. ''As many arcades have closed their doors, we are trying to help support this pastime while allowing true gamers to keep playing and ensuring these great games won't be forgotten.''

The Save the Arcade 2 participants included Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in Portland Oreg., Rocky's Replay in Winter Park, Fla. and Arcade Infinity in Rowland Heights, Calif.