THE FOLLOWING IS A BALLOONS OVER VERMILION RELEASE
Historic total of grants reaches $865,000
ABOVE: Danville’s Alderman Doug Ahrens takes the microphone for an award presentation during Balloons Over Vermilion’s annual “Community Impact Awards” program at the Historic Fischer Theatre. (Photo by Tom Barnes)
As Balloons Over Vermilion celebrates its 10th anniversary and Festival of Trees prepares to mark its 30th holiday season, the true milestone lies in the impact these events continue to make across Vermilion County.
On March 26, Balloons Over Vermilion and Festival of Trees announced their 2025 Community Impact Award recipients, granting $180,000 to 31 organizations supporting area youth and their families.
“This year marks a record number of award recipients and matches the largest total amount given back to our community,” said Jim Anderson, Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Vice Chair. “In our first year of awarding these grants we gave $30,000 to just three organizations. Today, more than 130 groups across Vermilion County have benefited from these grants since 2017.”
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With this year’s awards, the total community investment from the combined events has reached $865,000.
These events are made possible each year by two very dedicated steering committee, generous sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers.
(1st Picture) Heather Runyan accepts an award for Danville’s Arts in the Park. (2nd Picture) OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center President J.T. Barnhart accepts the final Community Impact Award of program. (3rd Picture) Danville Symphony Orchestra Music Director Matthew Sheppard shakes hands with Alderman Doug Ahrens as he accepts a donation for DSO.
“Our community continues to show up in incredible ways,” said Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Chair Pat O’Shaughnessy. “Whether it’s buying a ticket, enjoying a treat, exploring the magic of the Festival of Trees, or bringing family and friends to experience a balloon launch, every moment of participation helps make these events possible. The support we experience continues to grow stronger each year.”
MORE FROM PAT O’SHAUGHNESSY:
Balloons Over Vermilion NFP was created in 2016 by local balloon pilots and volunteers who wanted to bring back the excitement and wonder once experienced during the former Oldsmobile Balloon Classic Illinois, which ended in 2001. From the beginning, organizers shared a clear mission: It’s for the kids.
(1st Picture) Danville High School Madrigals perform a special springtime version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” (2nd Picture) Pat O’Shaughnessy interviews Rose Gates from “Rose Feeds the Children.” (3rd Picture) This coming summer’s Balloons Over Vermilion Ambassador Class: Fourth Graders at Salt Fork Elementary School taught by Mrs. Libby Torbit and Ms. Kylie Sherer.
Each year, a third- or fourth-grade class from Danville District 118 or a Vermilion County school is selected as the Student Ambassador Class for the Balloons Over Vermilion event, helping to shape the festival experience for everyone.
“Our student ambassadors play a special role in our planning,” said Balloons Over Vermilion Event Co-Chair Carly Goodwin. “They share what they want to see at our event and even get a sneak peek of what’s to come.”
Goodwin added, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to welcome our largest ambassador group yet—Mrs. Libby Torbit and Ms. Kylie Sherer’s fourth-grade classes from Salt Fork North Elementary School.”
BOV/FOT 2026 Community Impact Award Recipients
This year’s $180,000 investment supports 31 organizations, bringing the total awarded through Balloons Over Vermilion and Festival of Trees to $865,000 since 2017.
⦁ Balloon Federation of America — $1,500 (accepted by Dean Carlton)
⦁ First Baptist Christian School — $2,500 (accepted by Amber Seest)
⦁ Arts in the Park — $3,000 (accepted by Heather Runyan)
⦁ Danville Symphony Orchestra — $3,000 (accepted by Matthew Sheppard)
⦁ North Ridge Builders Club — $3,500 (accepted by Courtney Leemon & Kathy Delzell)
⦁ Adjust Your Vision — $5,000 (accepted by Lalita King)
⦁ Children’s Dyslexia Center of East Central Illinois — $5,000 (accepted by Julie Boersma)
⦁ Danville Art League — $5,000 (accepted by Kim Puzey)
⦁ Catlin Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Kathleen Bennett)
⦁ Danville Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Christopher Leggins)
⦁ Elwood Library District — $5,000 (accepted by Loretta Fag)
⦁ Georgetown Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Shannon Whitaker)
⦁ Hoopeston Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Tricia Freeland)
⦁ Oakwood Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Tammi Helke)
⦁ Potomac Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Elizabeth Osborn)
⦁ Vance Township Library — $5,000 (accepted by Bonnie Gilbert)
⦁ Westville Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Nicholas Sager)
⦁ Fellowship of Christian Athletes — $5,000 (accepted by Daniel Chappell)
⦁ Georgetown Men’s Club — $5,000 (accepted by William Schlunaker)
⦁ Grant Township Food Cupboard — $5,000 (accepted by Patty Maul & Rita Carter)
⦁ Sleep in Heavenly Peace — $5,000 (accepted by Dee Ann Ryan)
⦁ Vermilion Association for Special Education — $5,000 (accepted by Kristin Dunker)
⦁ YMCA — $5,000 (accepted by Laura Floyd)
⦁ Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center — $7,500 (accepted by Jonathan Munoz)
⦁ First United Methodist Church (Hoopeston) — Feed My Lambs — $7,500 (accepted by Pastor Kathy Murphy & Louise Barten)
⦁ Danville Youth Hockey — $7,500 (accepted by Kendra Kinney)
⦁ Rose Feeds the Children Program — $10,000 (accepted by Rose Gates-Sue Stahl)
⦁ Danville AMBUCs — $10,000 (accepted by Patrick Halloran)
⦁ Vermilion County Conservation District — $10,000 (accepted by Jaimie Pasquale)
⦁ Circle Academy — $11,000 (accepted by Shanna Doggett)
⦁ OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center — $13,000 (accepted by J.T. Barnhart)
