From the October 30, 2014, Chicago Tribune by Tony Briscoe and Colleen Mastony.
John Spinello, 77, of Bloomingdale, Illinois, invented the popular board game "Operation." Now, he really needs one, only, he can't afford it.
This has fueled a huge reaction. Some people have said this game inspired them to go into a medical career.
He was a student at the University of Illinois in an industrial design class when he came up with the game as a project. A relative who worked for Marvin Glass and Associates, a Chicago novelty and toy company and the boss, Marvin Glass liked it so much, he offered to buy the rights for it for $500 and give Spinello a job after graduation.
In 1965, the game reached the Milton Bradley Co. and was redesigned to feature a patient in an operating room. The game became a smash hit
John Spinello, meanwhile, got his $500, but never worked for Glass. he started a warehouse and shipping company which ended up declaring bankruptcy two years ago.
Right now, Spinello needs dental implants which will cost $25,000, a crowfunding website has raised $21,000 of that amount as of Wednesday.
Maybe Milton Bradley Co. should kick in some money after all the dough they made on it.
--Cooter
No comments:
Post a Comment