Community responds and helps after B&J Skate fire
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- On Sunday, June 22, the St. Joseph community awoke to the tragedy of its local roller rink, B&J Skate Center, on fire. One week later, multiple individuals and local businesses have decided to lend a hand in the recovery efforts.
Most native St. Joseph residents have memories of B&J Skate Center, whether it's birthday parties, the Four Corners game or tripping over their own feet.
"I remember just holding on to the wall and doing my stutter-step so that I can not do the splits," Mustangs Baseball owner Ky Turner said.
"I went as a kid. I had a birthday party there," Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway co-owner Katie Lane said. "I broke my pinky finger there and told that story like way dramatically for a really long time."
The Mustangs Baseball team and Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway are just two of many local businesses hosting fundraisers for the skate center.
On Tuesday, July 1, Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway will donate 50% of golf tickets sold between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., and $1 for every kid kart ticket sold between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to B&J's recovery efforts.
On Saturday, July 5, the St. Joseph Mustangs will donate 100% of general admission tickets purchased through an online package to further support the skate center.
Joe Lane, co-owner of Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway, is a local business owner and was able to empathize with Alyson Fisher, owner of B&J Skate Center.
"In the small business community, you know, we're there. We help each other out," Joe Lane said. "If something happened to one of our businesses, we obviously would be devastated. Any help, you know, would be well received. So we're paying it forward."
Turner grew up in St. Joseph and recalled the several attempts and failures at B&J's limbo game when he was a kid. His fond memories of the family entertainment center moved him to use his platform for good.
"The community, not just the Mustangs, but so many different places, is so supportive," he said. "Hopefully, we can continue to use that platform to help B&J Skate Center get back on their feet and back on skates."
Fisher said while the fire was devastating, she's moved the community is making efforts to save the St. Joseph staple.
"Just to be a staple in the community for family entertainment is just amazing, and the folks supporting us in that has just been so awesome to see," she said. "Thank you so much for the support. We just really appreciate it. Our employees so much appreciate it. And the Shores family, who were the previous owners as I mentioned, they're so appreciative as well to see their legacy being held in that light."
In addition to the two fundraisers, Good Times Event Center will also host a Good Times Carnival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26, with all proceeds going to B&J Skate Center.
To find out more, visit the event's Facebook page entitled "Good Times Carnival: B&J Skate Center Fundraiser."
