A popular destination for birthday parties and family entertainment for over 40 years will stay open thanks to the Barstool Fund.

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports Fund, is helping Interskate 88 and many other small family-owned businesses stay open for years to come despite the coronavirus pandemic. "We are incredibly blessed to receive this funding since thousands of businesses all across the country have applied," said Interskate 88 owner Eric Nelson. "We have a unique, generational business and we felt like it really hit home for him. This will ensure Interskate 88 will continue to provide family entertainment for many years to come."

Nelson's parents built Interskate 88 from the ground up 40 years ago. He took the business over in 2000 and promised himself he would keep it going, but then the pandemic hit. They've been closed for 185 days due to covid-19. Some of their customers and friends have donated government stimulus checks to help keep the lights on.

Portnoy promised to have the money in Nelson's bank account within 72 hours to help save the family business. Barstool Funds will then check in every month to ensure the bills are being paid until they are running at 100% capacity.

Portnoy says Interskate 88 was chosen because it's a generational business, and a pandemic should never be the reason a family loses its livelihood. "We can’t thank Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports enough for this amazing blessing bestowed upon us," said Nelson. "What they are doing for small businesses across this country is incredible. You can visibly see the raw emotion from every business that is fortunate enough to receive a face time call from him. I had to fight back the tears as I was speaking to him, knowing everything is going to be alright."

The rink will be open to the community Wednesday, February 3rd, from 6-8 pm. The entrance fee is by donation only, with all the proceeds going to the Barstool Fund. They are paying it forward to try and help another small business.

Here's the video Interskate 88 submitted to Barstool Sports.

Dave Portnoy has raised millions for the Barstools Fund to save small businesses. He started with $500,000 of his own money. Now celebrities like Tom Brady, Kid Rock, and Guy Fieri, and people like you and me have donated more than 30 million dollars to keep small businesses open after the pandemic, including several in New York.

Barstool Fund New York Businesses

Mulrooney's in Syracuse
Holbrooks Backporch in Holbrook
Durf's in Fairport
Eagle House in Buffalo
Mary Ann's Mexican Restaurant in Port Chester
The All-Star in Riverhead
Unionville Tavern in Hawthorn
The Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs
Roomers Bar in Lake Placid
La Conca D'Oro, the longest running restaurant in the Catskills
Bayview Tavern in Seaford
Squire's Tap Room in Tonawanda
Asarela Boutique in Freeport
Mulligan's Fireside Pub and Kirvens in the Bronx
Acquista Trattoria in Queens
San Martino Ristorante in Yonkers
Borrelli's in East Meadow
Sathi Nails and Spa in Harlem
Chucks Pest Elimination in New York
Looney Tunes Record Store in West Babylon
The Cafe in Long Beach
Events to Remember in Mount Kisco
Colony French Cleaners in West Islip
Portobello Restaurant in Staten Island
Chadwick's Restaurant in Brooklyn
Manhattan Fruit Exchange, Kabooz's Bar and Grill, Lyons Den Power Yoga, Peter McManus Cafe, Johny's Luncheonettem, Mama Mia 44 SW in New York City

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