Volunteers assist a pilot as he inflates his envelope during the 2018 All Ohio Balloon Fest. The Hope Center will be partnering with the Balloon Fest for its 2019 run from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Aug. 10.
(All Ohio Balloon Fest photo)
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The 2019 All Ohio Balloon Fest is partnering with the Hope Center in an event that benefits the community in more ways than one.
Since 1975, the All Ohio Balloon Fest has drawn individuals from throughout the state of Ohio and beyond to Union County. The event features a weekend of entertainment, but strives to make a lasting impact on the area.
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Hope Center, a local nonprofit that helps to meet the needs of members of the community. In exchange, the Hope Center is coordinating volunteers at the event, who will help with the shaped balloons.
Becky Bolt, Director of Administration and Planning at the Hope Center, said the partnership is a way to attract people to the community and give back to those who live in it.
“It’s a win-win for both of us,” Bolt said.
Bolt said the partnership is a great example of how the community can come together to help one another. Anyone 12 years or older can volunteer, so she said regular volunteers at the Hope Center have recruited their family, friends and coworkers to help out for a good cause.
Tisha Miller, Director of Community Ministries at the Hope Center, said the organization will receive $100 for each volunteer present.
She said the Hope Center is 100% funded by donations, so an event like the All Ohio Balloon Fest will have a major impact on their ability to provide the community with services from each of their three ministries: Compassion, Community and Next Gen.
Compassion ministries include a community kitchen that serves free meals, a personal needs pantry, a clothes closet, a furniture bank and legal counsel, amongst other services. Community ministries consist of various support groups. Lastly, Next Gen ministries provide youth with mentors and other safe activities.
Aside from financial benefits, Miller said the All Ohio Balloon Fest provides an opportunity for the Hope Center to share their mission with members of the community.
She said there will be a Hope Center booth at the event where individuals can learn more about what the organization does.
“Definitely stop by the booth and ask anything you want,” Miller said.
Between raising funds for and increasing awareness of the Hope Center, Miller said she hopes the event creates a positive impact that is felt by those throughout Union County.
“The community blesses us so much, so it’s really nice to be able to give back to them,” Miller said.
The All Ohio Balloon Fest will take place Aug. 8-10 at the Union County Airport, 15000 Weaver Road, Marysville. Those interested in the event or the Hope Center can visit www.allohioballoonfest.com or www.hopecenterohio.org.
Those who would like to volunteer can find more information on the Hope Center website, or by contacting Tisha Miller at community@hopecenterohio.org.