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© 2000 Jeff Brown
What is it?
On Wednesday, October 4th, 2000, over 250 balloon twisters in communities all across the United States (and even the world!) twisted animals and other sculptures for free, donating one hour of their twisting time to one of their local non-profit organizations, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, churches, government offices, or even out in the streets...just for the fun of it! It's such a fun event that the Governors of Nevada, Alaska, Rhode Island, and Indiana have proclaimed it Balloons Across America Day.
It was a fantastic, fun, and wonderful event. Thanks to all who participated!
For a listing of the balloon artists, along with photos, and a few comments about the day, click here. Other photos are also being displayed at Balloon HQ.
Why?
The simple act of giving is an incredible thing. It encourages others to give and makes the world a better place, even if just for that one special moment. The amazed look on faces young and old while watching the transformation of a simple balloon to a dog or hat is a sight to see. If we can inspire a day of happiness, perhaps we can inspire others to do the same in their own way. We're hoping to have smiles stretching from coast to coast...and beyond!
Who is taking part?
Balloon twisters who are willing to donate a bag of balloons and an hour of their time. We're asking twisters across the country to let us know if they're interested and when and where they'll be twisting. We'll coordinate that information and pass it along via our website. Press materials will also be available there. In addition, we'll be contacting the national and local media to help pass the word.
We're working with Qualatex, one of the nation's leading balloon manufacturers, as well as other manufacturers and suppliers of balloons; the fine folks at Balloon HQ, a major force in the world of ballooning on the Internet; clowning and magic businesses and organizations nationwide; and anyone else who wants to take part.
How can I take part?
As a twister, figure out where you'd like to twist and let us know by e-mail, letter, or phone. I will place your name in the Twisters Page and also provide a link to your page if you want. If you have contacts in the local media, it would be great if you could contact them. More information will be available for them via the Internet. As you might know, this will be a great photo opportunity and a chance to let others in your community discover your talents.
We're asking that twisters do their twisting on Wednesday, October 4, although if that's not possible, any time during that week is fine.
Involving non-profit organizations and schools helps ensure the non commercial nature of Balloons Across America. It also sets an example of giving within the communities that make up our country. The ease of getting the word out on the Internet helps keep expenses to a minimum, plus the fact that so many twisters will be doing so much good - all for free - will make passing the word a breeze.
If you're part of a twisting group in your community already, our motto is: The More the Merrier! Additionally, you can use the opportunity to train others in the fine art of balloon twisting. That way, on October 4th, you can cover several organizations at once or make a real splash in one location.
What if I'm not a twister?
You can learn! If that's not possible, please contact us and we'll make a space available on our website for "Interested Parties," individual non-profit organizations, schools, or other venues that are interested in hosting a twister. Leave your name, your organization, and a contact phone or e-mail and maybe you'll be matched by a twister in your area.
What happens if I don't live in the United States?
Join us anyway! For the first year, we decided to start small (only one country), but let us know what you've set up and we'll include it in our information. Who knows, maybe next year, the World! We've already got someone in Germany to help!
Why Wednesday, October 4th?
Why not? We were looking for a date that didn't conflict with other special days, school was in session, and wasn't during the busy season for twisters.
Besides, it's also right in the middle of Universal Children's Week!
For those who inflate their balloons by mouth, it's also Healthy Lung Month. Of course, who could forget it's also Month of the Dinosaur, National Cookie Month, National Dessert Month, and National Pizza Month!
Balloon Twisting Info and Other Links
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All contents © 2000 Jeff Brown
135 West Second Street
Juneau, AK 99801
* The balloons depicted in the photo at the top of the page are indeed real balloons. However, I distorted their size photographically. For more photo fun, click on the link to my home page.