I’m not quite sure what Stride Gum has to do with video games but they are the sponsor of “Save The Arcades” online contest to raise dollars to help support classic arcades. Steve Wiebe, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, shares an experience with early arcade culture to support the cause.

Arcade UFO an arcade in Austin, Texas was selected as the first contest winner. They will receive $25,000 to invest in their arcade. StarBase Arcade in the San Francisco area, Star Worlds Arcade in the Chicago area, and Game Galaxy in Nashville, TN were included in the contest.

“Save The Arcades 2″ is scheduled to begin in 2010. Check their site to nominate your favorite arcade.

More info: Save The Arcades