Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Balloon Angels get started?
A: The first balloons were delivered back in November of 2002. We started out small by delivering 10 balloons a week to the pediatric unit of Baptist East Hospital. We’ve steadily increased the number of balloons that we deliver each week over the last three and a half years.
Q: How many balloons is Balloon Angels currently delivering to local hospitals?
A: We are currently delivering about 1,000 balloons each month to three Louisville area hospitals. Kosair Children’s Hospital receives about 150-200 balloons each Tuesday night, Baptist East Hospital receives about 200-250 balloons each month and the Home of the Innocents receives about 50 balloons each month.
Q: Where or how do you get all of the balloons?
A: The vast majority of balloons are purchased at a very deeply discounted cost from one of two major balloon manufacturers. Both CTI Industriesand Anagram, Inc. are very familiar with what Balloon Angels does and are very generous to us. While many balloons retail cost is $3-5.00, our average price per balloon is 25¢ to 50¢ per balloon – quite a savings. A couple of times each year these companies also make free balloon donations as they clear out their inventories.
Q: How do you pay for the balloons?
A: Balloon Angels, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or charity. The vast majority of our funding comes from individuals. Our average donation is about $25.00. We have a couple of fund-raisers throughout the year that help pay for the balloons. We also have two major partners that help tremendously. Northeast Christian Church has served as a source of volunteers and has helped out financially as well. Also, one of our volunteers is employed by Pfizer pharmaceuticals. Pfizer has numerous philanthropy initiatives that we are able to participate with. We are very proud to say that virtually 100% of all donations received goes directly to purchasing balloons & helium.
Q: What’s involved in becoming a regular volunteer with Balloon Angels?
A: Most of our regular Balloon Angel volunteers serve one Tuesday night each month. We try to keep somewhat of a schedule so that you get to know and become part of a regular “team” such as the first Tuesday night of the month team. With that in mind, we are VERY flexible you can show up on any Tuesday evening. We meet at about 6pm to fill the balloons and usually are done delivering them by about 8pm. Kosair Children’s Hospital does have an hour orientation class for all new volunteers and also does require a recent TB test.
Q: What is next for Balloon Angels?
A: We would love to see Balloon Angels expand to a nearby metro area such as Cincinnati, Lexington or possibly even Indianapolis. We are financially ready to help start such an expansion and are currently looking for a lead volunteer in one of these areas that can help us get started. If you know someone that may be interested in helping us start Balloon Angels in a new city, give us a call at (502) 253-0855.
If you have any other questions, contact us at gary@balloonangels.org. |
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