Thousands flocked to the immersive balloon experience to raise funds for Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy
In an out-of-this-world display of creativity, compassion and community spirit, the Big Balloon Build in Greeley raised an incredible gross total of $131,000 through donations and ticket sales along with invaluable awareness for Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy. These vital funds will allow Life Stories to continue providing support and advocacy for abused and neglected children in Weld County, helping them secure a safe, happy and successful future.
“The Big Balloon Build demonstrates the profound impact of balloons from vibrant symbols of joy to powerful agents of change,” says Stuart Davies, director of the Big Balloon Build. “We are so glad we
could support the important work of Life Stories and the children of Weld County.”
Over 85 of the world’s top balloon artists came to Greeley last month, donating their time and talents to create an immersive balloon experience out of 125,000+ biodegradable balloons in just four days at the Aims Community College Welcome Center. More than 6,000 people came to see the larger-than-life, spaced-themed exhibit that benefited Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy.
None of this would have been possible without the generous backing of industry leaders Gemar Balloons and PremiumConwin. Gemar Balloons, a leading manufacturer of 100% bio-based rubber balloons, donated all 125,000 balloons to the cause, and PremiumConwin, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality balloon inflators and eco-friendly balloon accessories, provided all the equipment that powered the six different Strange Worlds that guests traveled through as they searched for 4,000 hidden stars that represented children in Colorado needing help from situations of abuse and/or neglect.
An additional $101,000 in in-kind contributions from the community helped Life Stories offset costs and added to the impact of the event.
“Hosting the Big Balloon Build was a once in a lifetime opportunity to reach out to our community and beyond to bring joy, happiness and wonder to every visitor who came through the doors,” says Gwen Schooley, executive director of Life Stories. “The funds raised will ensure that vulnerable children in our community who need our support continue to have the services they need at no cost. The event helped us spread the word and helped us in our efforts to form new relationships and connections and recruit CASA and agency volunteers. Every child’s story is an integral part of the work we do.”
This year’s Big Balloon Build was only the fourth time this event has been in the United States. Allison Dunning, owner of Balloon Art by Merry Markers in Greeley, worked for the past two years to bring it to Colorado. The next Big Balloon Build is scheduled for London in December 2023 and South Bend, Ind. in April 2024. Follow the Big Balloon Build on Facebook and Instagram (@thebigballoonbuild) to help make a difference through the joy of balloons.