Newsroom
Ronald McDonald House Receives Balloon Rally Check for $8,012.36 (Nov. 10, 2009)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Great Plains Balloon Club of Topeka today presented Topeka's Ronald McDonald House with a check for $8,012.36. The donation comes from proceeds gathered during the 2009 Huff 'n Puff Balloon Rally held September 11-13.
Organizers said the presentation two weeks prior to Thanksgiving is very appropriate. "The Great Plains Balloon club believes the work being done by Topeka's Ronald McDonald House helps make Topeka a wonderful community. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the many blessings we have, and Topeka is truly blessed to have such a great organization that takes care of families," said Karl H. Fruendt, 2009 Huff 'n Puff Rally Coordinator.
"Ronald McDonald Houses provide a 'home-away-from-home' for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The Great Plains Balloon Club of Topeka considers itself a family and we are very proud to be able to help the families of Ronald McDonald House with this monetary gift," said Tony Goodnow, Club President.
The club annually donates proceeds from the rally to Ronald McDonald House. Proceeds are collected from a combination of tether ride donations, vendor fees and other concessions donations.
Next year's rally, the 35th Annual Huff 'n Puff Balloon Rally is set for September 10-12, 2010, once again at Topeka's Lake Shawnee.