United Way benefits from Balloon Fest $6,700 donated in last three years 17 July 2009

Hot air balloons, reflective vests, and United Way. These three things don’t intuitively go hand-in-hand. But they will all come together to benefit the community at the All-Ohio Balloon Fest. The annual celebration will attract thousands of families to the Union County Airport on Friday and Saturday August 14 and 15 for balloon launches and glows, music, food, and entertainment. And once again, event organizers are calling on United Way volunteers to provide event-day logistical support in exchange for a monetary donation. The All-Ohio Balloon Fest has donated $6,700 to United Way over the last three years for directing traffic in the unclear parking areas around the Airport. Volunteers willingly trade in their typical fundraising tools of brochures and pledge forms for directional signs and flashlights because event proceeds help boost its annual campaign. “I always wanted to be a traffic cop,” joked Brenda Rock. “No, really, I thoroughly enjoyed helping with this event. I have attended it for many years and now enjoy helping with the parking because it allows me to be part of it in a meaningful way. “Having been involved in multiple committees of the United Way, I know its value to our community. The Board and staff are very conscientious of how every United Way dollar is spent and work hard to stretch those dollars so that many needs are met - from the youngest of our population to our seniors. I appreciate that event organizers have chosen to contribute event proceeds to this organization and I am thankful that many others give their time to support this organization.” One of those individuals is Libbi Gallagher, of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Gallagher was looking for a way to become involved in the community and got her start as a new volunteer at last year’s All-Ohio Balloon Fest. “I have always believed in what United Way does for their communities and have never really had an opportunity or known how to get involved,” Gallagher said. “Getting involved last year with the Balloon Festival just seemed like the place to start. It was a great time seeing all the people, especially the children coming out to watch the balloons. I volunteered my good friend Marcy to help out, so it was a fun Saturday night for us. Knowing that our few hours of having fun directing traffic and spending time with friends leads to a substantial contribution from the Festival makes it all worth it. I am sure that the Festival could choose from many organizations to donate to, so from my view point I am very appreciative of the fact that they have chosen United Way of Union County.” Gallagher later joined the Scotts Associate Board and worked with her colleagues to raise over $123,000 for United Way within the company last fall. In addition to raising money for a good cause, the event brought volunteers together in another unique way. “The Balloon Rally gives us an opportunity to have fun with the people that also serve on the Board,” said Union County Sheriff Rocky Nelson. “This type of unity can’t happen at our regular Board meetings on Wednesday morning and it also gives us a chance to work and accomplish tasks together - directing and parking cars at the Rally for example is no small task!” For more information about the All-Ohio Balloon Fest, please visit www.allohioballoonfest.com. For more information about United Way, please visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org or call (937) 644-8381.