A few months ago I wrote about my memories of Inner City Angels Balloon Day. Yesterday, Jane Howard Baker, the Executive Director at Inner City Angels, chimed in with a comment that answered a few of my questions.
Hi Mike,
Inner City Angels halted the balloon race in 1990 (last race was 1989) when the City of Toronto made it illegal to do such a silly thing. Yes it was ill conceived but it brought in a few million dollars for artist visits in inner city schools. Inner City Angels still exists and reaches 10,000 children each year in 100 schools. Our 26 artists deliver some wonderfully innovative programs, working hands on with kids. This is what we have always been about...not balloon races. I joined the Angels in 1993 and have met many balloon race kids now grown up--including accountants, lawyers and bank tellers--who recall their elementary school days letting balloons off in the skies. I received balloon letters back from the US until about 1995.
Today our fundraising comes from smaller events, corporations, government and individuals who remember the balloon race days!
Cheers.
Jane Howard Baker
Executive Director
Inner City Angels
I participated in that last balloon day in 1989. I was in grade 8. Ill conceived, but a hell of a lot of fun.
