Slideshow: Sold-Out ‘Big Balloon Build’ Fundraiser Cuts Ribbon – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
ELKHART, Ind. – Hundreds of dignitaries, supporters and invited guests helped the 2024 Big Balloon Build get underway Thursday, April 25, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP Night at the Northern Indiana Event Center on the campus of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
Featuring over 150,000 biodegradable balloons crafted by 84 artists into a spectacular carnival, the Big Balloon Build is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana. The event was headed up by Fun by The Yard of South bend, Ind., and tickets for the walk-through attraction, which runs through April 28, are already sold out.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to partner with an international entity like the Big Balloon Build,” said RMHC Michiana CEO Kierstin Eifler. “We are so excited to be able to bring this event to Michiana and have it make a direct impact for the families we serve.”
Among the dignitaries Thursday night was U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, representing Indiana’s 2nd District, who said he was pleased – but not surprised – the RV industry lended full support to the fundraiser. Sponsors include McDonald’s, Raymond James, Winnebago, NIBCO, Genesis Products, THOR Industries, Bethel University’s Pilot Summer Academy – a partnership through Indiana Youth Programs on Campus, Lippert and Mill Race Partners.
“I can’t help but be wowed by what’s behind me,” said Yakym. “Hopefully this will inspire young people to get interested in the arts and get interested in supporting charities.”
The Big Balloon Build is a non-profit organization that partners with charities to raise awareness and funds to help children in need. Dedicated to creating magical and immersive balloon experiences, every Big Balloon Build is unique offering an amazing opportunity to make a difference through the joy of balloons.
“We have tightrope walkers, a giant ferris wheel, clowns, and more – all made entirely out of balloons,” said Stuart Davies, director of the Big Balloon Build. “This will be the first Build that also has interactive games for guests to play while they marvel at the creations.”
Only a few locations are chosen each year to host the Big Balloon Build. The event originally started in the U.K. in 2017 and this will be only the fifth time it has been in the U.S. Jennifer Nyikos, owner of Fun By The Yard in South Bend, has been working for the past two years to bring the event to Michiana.
Nyikos, said this was a “huge win for Northern Indiana” to have been chosen for the honor of being a stop on the International Big Balloon Build tour.
“Families will be engulfed in a fully immersive carnival experience that they will never forget!! We’re bringing joy to Michiana and It’s a testament to why I do what I do. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana which provides a home-away-from-home at no cost for families with sick and injured children,” she said.
Committed to sustainable practices, the Big Balloon Build only uses natural, biodegradable materials, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified plantations. All 150,000-plus bio-based rubber balloons were donated to the cause and PremiumConwin, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality balloon inflators and eco-friendly balloon accessories, provided all equipment to power this amazing balloon wonderland.
