SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Special Balloons Provide Underprivileged Youth with Tethered Rides
The Great Reno Balloon Race officials announce the appearance of the featured special shaped balloons for the 2011 event, sponsored by the Wilbur May Foundation. This year, Hopper T. Frog, and Betty Jean, a brand-new butterfly balloon, will help more than 150,000 spectators, volunteers and pilots celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Balloon Race, which takes place Sept. 9 – 11.
The May Foundation provides funding for the special shaped balloons on behalf of the Children’s Cabinet each year so that at-risk kids can experience team building and the joy of hot-air balloon flight. To date, more than 10,000 tethered rides have been provided.
“Thanks to the commitment of the May Foundation, the Children’s Cabinet has had the privilege of providing tethered rides to youth ages four through 18,” Jeff Andrews, finance manager for the Children’s Cabinet, said. “We also can’t wait to introduce Betty Jean, the butterfly balloon to Reno and the nation.”
The butterfly balloon, which will be completed in June, will make her first flight in the United States at this year’s Balloon Race. Betty Jean, who was named for the pilot’s mother, is a bright and colorful butterfly, holding a flower.
The frog balloon is returning to Reno for the first time since 2007. Hopper T. is no ordinary frog. His 58-foot pink smile radiates and his 14-foot wide crown makes him the most important frog around.
Balloon Race officials are pleased to make this opportunity possible with the May Foundation. Stay tuned for more news on special shaped balloons as the event nears. Many surprises are being planned for the 30th Anniversary event.
For more information about the 2011 Balloon Race, to sponsor this community favorite event or to make a donation, visit www.renoballoon.com or call (775) 826-1181.
Thanks to the continued support of generous sponsors, The Great Reno Balloon Race
continues as the nation’s largest free hot-air ballooning event for its 30th year.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is one of Nevada’s Top Five Events at www.topeventsusa.com
