---Urgent--- Would you like to be a part of a miracle? I created this GoFundMe for a hardworking, faithful woman named Shannon, so we could see God make a way where there seemed to be no way. We've all had dreams we want to see born. We've all had tragedy and terrible things strike us. I'm writing on behalf of an inspiring couple who brought their dream to life from nothing, and have endured tragedies & trials with grace and perseverance. Terry's earthly life may have ended, but his dream does not have to. *You* can be a part of something bigger: the miracle to save Tornado Terry’s.

Tornado Terry's was created in 1989, a dream brought to life by Terry Bell, a fun-loving small arcade owner and enthusiast, and his kind, caring wife Shannon. Pacman, Skee-Ball, Q*bert, Star Wars, TMNT, Guitar Hero, pool, pinball, the prize counter…This place oozes nostalgia like a glowing green mutagenic canister or a flux capacitor. It's filled with smiles, laughter, and all the glorious "pew-pew" sounds of an arcade. For 37 years, Tornado Terry's has been a fun, safe, affordable place for families to play arcade games, throw parties, and create precious memories. Only God knows how many parents and children have loved this place over the years.

Since the announcement of its closing, the evidence of this has been on full display. People are coming out of the woodwork to tell Shannon how much this place means to them. Shannon has been flooded with stories! People have actually rescheduled summer vacation plans and even traveled from out of town in order to be able to visit while its doors are still open. If we didn't know it before, we do now: Tornado Terry’s is a beloved part of our community. I know a child who chooses to have her birthday party there every year! I know a broken family who hasn’t had a lot of good times being altogether in a while, but has good memories there. Even the man who delivered Shannon’s pizza expressed how sad he was at the idea of their closing, because of all the happy times he’s had there. Shannon loves looking out from the counter and seeing how happy this place makes people.

We need places like this. Community places where we can all just be a kid again. Breathe a little easier. Places where mom, dad, sister, brother can all be a Turtle and kick Shredder’s butt together.

Tornado Terry's almost went under during Covid, but they persevered. Tragically, Terry passed away in 2023, but his strong wife Shannon and her family have kept his legacy alive, running the arcade in his place, persevering yet again. Now, road construction by the city of Fort Worth has been taking place on Keller-Hicks Rd for 2.5 years, obstructing their entrance, killing business, and drying up their livelihood --a project which was supposed to be completed in 2 years, and is now projected at least 9 months more--.

They have exhausted all means of change (ongoing contact with the city, loan possibilities, etc), BUT there is still a possible way forward with your help! There is a benefactor who wants to help move the whole business to a better location. He will be helping to support the business, while also doing all he can to help reach more people, connect with local government, and seek out a new location. I'm also going to do as much as I can to help it survive through fundraising, awareness, and building community partnerships. This is where you come in. It is a lot of money, but people have always done extraordinary things when they come together and when God is invited. We're going to raise $100,000.

Why $100,000?

1. The road construction is still going to be a problem through December, at minimum.

2. It will still take time to find and renovate a new location.

3. Given the hit they took from Covid and construction, the total projected amount to move to a new location would be closer to 500,000. In a step of faith, the amount of 100,000 has been carefully calculated to allow her to hire back employees, pay business expenses, and put food on her table through December. Shannon has not taken a paycheck for herself since September 2025. She has been trying everything, including running it alone, to keep Tornado Terry's going for her husband's memory, her family, and all the families they serve.

In a step of faith, I believe God is going to provide. Our path forward is via GPS. Give, Prayer, Share.

(GPS. Cheesy? yes. But memorable? Also, yes.)

Give - If you are able, would you please give any amount to help? Each gift, no matter how small, matters and truly makes a difference.

Prayer - Would you take a step of faith with us and ask Him to multiply our/your five loaves & two fish beyond what we could ask or imagine? (Matt. 14:13-21, Eph. 3:23-24) He is so good and generous, and loves to give good gifts to His children.

Share - As you consider giving & praying, even if you aren’t able to give today, please, would you pass this along to others to help us reach this miracle? Sharing is not a small thing! It truly makes an impact!

As you follow our GPS, we'd like to invite you to follow Tornado Terry's on social media for the future family fun we are planning to get the word out about saving it, as well as simply coming back out and playing in the Tornado! ("You mean I can help just by wipin' the floor with my friend at Air Hockey?" Precisely, m'dude.) Have a blast with your kids, schedule a birthday party, battle your unsuspecting friends at your favorite games!-- All of this still helps save this gem of a place.

I am not here to manipulate, but simply to ask on behalf of my friend. Shannon was hesitant to set up a GoFundMe, because she worried, "What if they give, and we don't reach the goal? I don't want them to feel they gave for nothing." I told her that I believe people who want to give would do so with a loving heart, knowing she is in a hard place and simply wanting to help relieve her burden. She is a woman of faith and integrity. It has been a hard road these last 6 years. Despite feeling utterly weathered and worn, she does not want to give up.

We do not want to give up.

We want everyone to see God make a way.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Brigette

.Gloria in excelsis Deo.