Team Member: Susan Wilson

Tim Walsh wrote -

In 1964, John Spinello invented an electric game where the object was to insert a metal wand into holes without touching the metal edges of the openings. If you failed to have a steady hand, a buzzer would startle you with great delight. John sold his game to a toy invention firm for $500. The game was then licensed to Milton Bradley, modified and released a year later as the game we all know and love. The game of Operation.

$500 is all John Spinello ever was paid for his invention.

Over the years, the game of Operation has become a favorite to millions of people whose childhoods were all a bit brighter and buzzier because of it. John watched over the decades as the little electric game he designed spawned everything from socks, boxer shorts, purses, shower curtains, neck ties, greeting cards, and, of course, scores of licensed editions of the game.

Much has changed in 50 years. John has had a good life, but has admitted to us that he is struggling to pay his bills and is in need of a medical procedure without sufficient insurance coverage. We launched this Crowdrise fundraiser to call on anyone who has ever played and loved Operation to send John a note and maybe, a monetary gift of appreciation. You can also head over to www.ILoveOperation.com to write John an encouraging note or purchase a once-in-a-lifetime gift: An autographed copy of Operation from the original patent holder of the game! (while supplies last).

Please share this site with your friends and family. We'd appreciate it.

Gratefully Yours,

Tim Walsh & Peggy Brown

Operation is a registered trademark of Hasbro. No ownership is implied or intended.