A 9-year-old from East L.A. gained Internet stardom this week thanks to his elaborate, homemade video arcade. But fans have now rewarded his hard work, donating more than $100,000 to a college fund for the boy.

A 9-year-old from East L.A. gained Internet stardom this week thanks to his elaborate, homemade video arcade. But fans have now rewarded his hard work, donating more than $100,000 to a college fund for the boy.

As of Thursday morning, the Caine's Arcade Scholarship Fund had more than $112,000 in online donations.

Caine Monroy's story begins last year, when the boy used his summer vacation to build several arcade games out of cardboard boxes he found in his dad's used auto parts store. He charged $1 for two turns on any of his creations or $2 for a Fun Pass - which provided 500 turns.

Business at Caine's Arcade was rather slow until filmmaker Nirvan Mullick stopped by the store in search of a door handle for his 1996 Toyota Corolla. "What I found was an elaborate handmade cardboard arcade manned by a young boy who asked if I would like to play," Mullick said. He opted for a Fun Pass, and started playing, later asking Caine's father if he could make a short film about the project.

Thanks to the power of the Internet - a mention on Reddit, in particular - Mullick organized a flash mob that descended on Caine's Arcade, giving him some of his first customers. The result was a touching film (see below) about Caine's adventure - and Internet notoriety.

"A roughcut of the film premiered at DIY Days, where Caine set up his arcade for people to play. Caine was commissioned by an attendee to build a custom cardboard claw machine, which he did for $80," Mullick wrote on the film's website.

But Mullick also sought to raise college funds for Caine. "Imagine what this kid could build with an Engineering degree!" he said on the donation page. The initial goal was to raise $100,000 - a number organizers hit late last night.

"We did it! Over $100,000 Raised for Caine's Scholarship Fund... in 3 days!! The flashmob made Caine's day, but you all are making his future. Thank you!" according to a note on the Caine's Arcade Facebook page.

Donations are still being accepted via PayPal and credit card.

Mullick said he will soon be offering Caine's Arcade t-shirts.

Caine's Arcade from Nirvan Mullick on Vimeo.