Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area named first Community Pass partner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREDERICK, Md. (October 27, 2026) — Pinball EDU, the Frederick nonprofit that enables play to combat social isolation, today announced the launch of the Community Pass, a new program that partners with area nonprofits supporting disadvantaged youth to provide free or reduced admission to Spinners, Pinball EDU's pinball arcade in Frederick. The program's first partner is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA).
Through the Community Pass, partner organizations can bring the young people they serve to Spinners to play, connect, and socialize in a welcoming space built around shared fun. As the first partner, BBBSNCA mentors ("Bigs") will be able to bring the young people they mentor ("Littles") to Spinners at no cost, giving matches one more place to spend time together and build the kind of lasting bond that mentoring is all about.
"The Community Pass is our mission in action," said Joe Said, Executive Director of Pinball EDU. "We exist to enable play in order to fight social isolation, and few things bring people together faster than two players cheering on the same silver ball. Big Brothers Big Sisters made a real and lasting impact on the life of one of our own staff members, so it means a great deal to us that they are the very first Community Pass partner. They will be the first of many."
"We're so grateful to Joe and the Spinners team for opening their doors to our Bigs and Littles, making it easier for them to enjoy a day together without worrying about the cost," said Michael J. Sanzi, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area. "When a young person spends time with someone who listens, encourages them, and enjoys their company, it builds trust and a sense of belonging. Something as simple as playing a game together can open the door to a conversation and deepen that connection. Spinners is helping create those moments, and that means a great deal to us."
Pinball EDU plans to welcome additional Community Pass partners in the months ahead. Frederick-area nonprofits that serve youth and are interested in joining the program can contact Mark Barlet at mark@spinnerspinball.org.
The Community Pass is made possible by the generous donors who support the Pinball EDU mission. Their belief in the power of play is what opens the doors of Spinners to young people who might otherwise go without, and their support is creating new connections, friendships, and moments of joy across Frederick and beyond. To every donor who makes programs like the Community Pass possible: thank you.
About PinballEDU
Pinball EDU is a nonprofit organization based in Frederick, Maryland, whose mission is to enable play in order to combat social isolation and to improve the quality of life for everyone. Pinball EDU operates Spinners, a pinball arcade in Frederick that includes a dedicated low-stimulus room for guests who prefer a quieter experience. Learn more at https://spinnerspinball.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area
Since 1949, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.
As the Washington region's largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, BBBSNCA creates meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 7–18, throughout the National Capital Area. These relationships have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
BBBSNCA serves children and families across the National Capital Region, including Washington, D.C., Montgomery, Prince George's, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, and Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington Counties in Northern Virginia. Learn More at https://bbbsnca.org/
Media Contact
Meaghan Prenda
Assistant to the Executive Director, PinballEDU
mea@spinnerspinball.org | 240-409-3688
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