The Holiday Balloon Fest is much more than
a weekend event, an opportunity for aeronauts to congregate and enjoy fun and
fellowship together. In so many ways it is about what we can do for our
community, how we can address its needs, who we can help.
Since its inception we have collaborated with many area nonprofit organizations
to enrich the lives of their clients, while enjoying our sport. In doing so we
have enriched our own lives as well. The International Festival of Lights is an
unmatched holiday celebration in lights that we have partnered with year after
year, elevating the level of warmth and cheer for tens of thousands of
spectators during the associated Battle Creek Holiday Parade put on by the Harper Creek
Optimists, and adding to the beauty of the season.
Holiday Balloon Fest pilots blast extra warmth
in the air participating in the Battle Creek
Holiday Parade.
We have also responded to the needs of
organizations like Community Integrated Recreation (CIR) and the Junior League
of Battle Creek with donated balloon rides for their annual auctions to
support agency programs. Support provided by HBF also enabled CIR to establish
a deep and lasting relationship with Pilot “Al,” a very special pilot who in
2002 brought his unique handicap accessible balloon to Battle Creek to enjoy
the hospitality of the HBF and to thrill the clients of CIR.
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Photo by John Grap, Battle Creek Enquire
It has
been HBF, Inc. pleasure in the past to assist a number of organizations in our
community in meeting their goals, like those above, the
WOOD TV 8 - WOTV 4 Angel Tree,
Junior League of Battle Creek, Toys for Tots
and South Central Michigan Food Bank. It is one of our continuing
goals to contribute to such worthwhile agencies and programs as we prepare
everyone year after year to more fully enjoy another Joyful Holiday Season.
Come see. Come share in the “warmth” of the Season around our baskets.
Please click the photos to see details!
HBF 2005 Pilot & Crew competed to fill the Trolley. They provided
over 600 pounds of food to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, 100 toys to
Toys for Tots, 100 toys for the WOTV4 & WOODTV 8 Angel Tree and 25 families with
a Christmas dinner!
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