Caine Monroy is a 9-year old whose father owns a junk yard/used auto parts store in East Los Angeles. Last summer, Caine constructed a "cardboard arcade" in his father's store. He worked diligently each day but had no customers. One day, filmmaker Nirvan Mullick walked in looking for a part for his aging car.
Initially, Mullick was surprised to find out he was the only customer young Caine had ever had. Then he saw the depth of imagination, creativity and work that went into the project. With Caine's father's permission, Mullick filmed the boy and his creation.
That was enough to bring tears to my eyes. But it gets better.
"Caine's Arcade," which has been viewed nearly 3.5 million times since Monday, tells the story of Caine Monroy, who last summer built an arcade made of cardboard boxes in his father's East Los Angeles used auto parts shop.
Nirvan Mullick, the film maker who directed the 11-minute film, was one of Caine's first and only customers -- until he organized a flash mob that's documented in the film.
...
Based on the attention the film has been receiving, Nirvan decided to add a donation box for a scholarship fund on the "Caine’s Arcade" website: "Chip in $1 or more to help Caine to go to college. Imagine what this kid could build with an Engineering degree!" Nirvan’s original goal was $25,000, but since the film was released, Caine has received over $65,000.
Update: Caine's college fund now tops $150,000.
Every child should experience this level of support and encouragement for his/her future.