The Big Balloon Build and Fashion Show
The Vincennes/Knox County community was blown away by 65 international balloon artists that came to Indiana's first City to build the first USA big balloon build based on the theme Candyland. Hasbro gave the rights to the BBB and Hershey became the Diamond sponsor of an event that built the game on the floor and walls of the Highland Woods Community Center in three and a half days with 125,000 balloons. The opportunity to fund raise was then presented to the United Way of Knox County who had two ticketed events the next two days a balloon fashion show featuring 11 models and escorts with dresses designed by an international dress maker and a breakfast with the bunny. These two events raised $65,000 for the United Way and will go to support impact work with youth (Bedtime in a Box, Kindergarten Jumpstart, K-3 Tutoring), Adults (VITA tax service, Charity Tracker) and agencies (Wabashvalleyconnect.org and the Homeless Task Force. Finally the even opened up to the general public with the admission of a donation of food to 13 area food banks. 14,300 lbs of food were collected from an estimated crowd of 5,000 who toured the facility.
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