The Reach For The Stars Hot Air Balloon Foundation is a California Non-profit corporation based in San Diego County and is recognized as a Federal 501 c3 corporation by the IRS. Our mission is to share the joy and excitement of hot air ballooning with all people, especially those with physical challenges.

Our unique, easy entry custom basket allows for those with limited mobility as well as wheelchair users to have the experience of a tethered or a free-flight (untethered) ride.

The foundation seeks to have the balloon available to community events and balloon festivals as well as to individuals wanting a private flight experience. As one of only 4 wheelchair accessible hot air balloons in the entire U.S., Reach For The Stars is a very special entity that can provide a unique life experience for people with limited mobility.

For over ten years, Pat Murphy, the founder of the foundation, has volunteered immeasurable hours sharing ballooning at camps for special needs children (Camp Reach For The Sky, Camp Ronald McDonald) as well as numerous school classes and church groups. Frustrated by the inability to give rides to children in wheelchairs, Pat vowed to come up with a solution.

After three long years of work, the custom wheelchair basket was finally designed, built and, most importantly, approved for flight under the strict guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The inspiration for the envelope’s artwork was a drawing by Robby Medina, a childhood cancer survivor from Camp Reach for the Sky. The envelope and a traditional basket were produced near Barcelona, Spain by UltraMagic.

Joining forces with other volunteers Pat met at the children’s camps, he created the foundation to help make the experience available to a wider audience.