Sharing the Joy of Ballooning with People of All AbilitiesReach for the Stars Hot Air Balloon Foundation is based on the premises of joy and possibility. When pilot Pat Murphy started the journey over 20 years ago, he was committed to bringing the joy of ballooning to others. As a volunteer at a camp for children with cancer, Pat spotted a big green field that could accommodate his hot air balloon. By the next summer, he had arranged for the balloon to be a new activity available to the children. It became an annual tradition to give each of the 100+ campers a tethered balloon ride. Seeing the joy this experience brought to the kids prompted Pat to offer the balloon rides to additional camps in the region for children with a variety of special needs.
Unfortunately there would be an occasional child with limited mobility that couldn’t partake in the flight due to the restriction of the basket. Frustrated at the inequity, Pat decided to put his engineering skills to use and create a basket that was fully accessible. That journey led to the Reach for the Stars wheelchair accessible hot air balloon and basket with a removable wide door and lowered side panel for increased visibility. At last, the joy of ballooning was possible for people of all abilities. Registered as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Reach for the Stars Hot Air Balloon Foundation offers an unparalleled range of services: flights, tethered rides, an amazing 130 foot tall special shape balloon, static inflations, walk-in balloons, night glows and educational programs for events and schools across the country.
Please enjoy exploring our site and discovering all of the wonderful ways you or your event, camp, school, or organization can experience the joy of ballooning. |
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Donate to Reach for the Stars
As a non-profit 501c3 organization, all of our services are dependent on generous donations from individuals and companies like you. Please consider giving the gift of flight to a special needs child by making a tax-deductible donation today. The Reach for the Stars Hot Air Balloon Team sincerely thanks you for your support.