News/Press for California Balloon Invitational
July 20, 2011
California Balloon Invitational a Success
By John Inman (California Democrat)
With the heat reaching 95 degrees by 1:45 p.m. Saturday, July 16, the question of how many would come out to California Balloon Invitational held at Windmill Ridge was answered when droves of cars began coming out starting at 5 p.m. Thousands came out to watch the hot-air balloons race which went from the development on the east side of town to a farm field northwest of town. Jessica Dunn was one of many performers who entertained on the stage sponsored by Burgers' Smokehouse and Mike Kehoe Ford.
"I think the event went really well," Dunn said. "We performed earlier in the day and it was really hot. But when we performed after 5 p.m. we had quite a few people out there."
Dunn said performing in front of a big crowd was intense and actually made her a little nervous. She said the event went better than could have been expected and said she would absolutely like to see it in the future.
"I thought it was so much fun," Dunn said. "It would be really cool to have again, especially because it is a free event you can come out and enjoy."
Balloons, in quotation marks, pilots and sponsors, in parentheses, included Hare Balloon "Take a Chance II" Jim Wolters (Capitol Plaza Hotel); and Hound Balloons "Boomer" Gary Whitby (Kenneth Vaughan, Developer); "Freedom" Mike Thomas (Burgers' Smokehouse); "Aurora (The Roman Goddess of Dawn)" Herb and Cheri Heriford (Lutz Barbecue); "Bright Idea" Ken Schroeder (Quality Used Cars); "Tropical Sunrise" Brian Carlson (First Financial Credit Union); "Hocus Pocus" Tony Goodnow (Commerce Bank); "Freedom" George Thomas (Law Office of Ann Perry); "St. Louis" David Rapp (AA Propane and Trucking); "Mike Kehoe" Gary Sines (Mike Kehoe Ford-Lincoln); "Central Bank" Jan Sines (Central Bank); "Lucky Charm" Denis Sutter (Something Sassy Salon); "TJ Toy" Rick and Karmen Goosey (California Area Chamber of Commerce and Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival); "Ozark Flyer" Dallas Matney (Xtreme Body and Paint); "Blue Horizons" John Mountain (Joyful Expressions); "Airhawk" Steve Libel (Midwest Factory Outlet); "Cherry Bomb" Theron Riley (Mr. G's); "Final Frontier" Carol Sherman (Bond Pharmacy). Amanda Sabia (sponsored by New Beginnings Family Worship Center) and Alan Lawson (sponsored by the California Veterinary Clinic) also piloted balloons which names were not available.
After the race the winners were presented. Pilots who won were Goosey (1st), Gary Sines (2nd) and Rapp (3rd). Sponsors who won were the California Area Chamber of Commerce and Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival (1st), New Beginnings Family Worship Center (2nd) and AA Propane and Trucking (3rd). All the pilots also received gift baskets donated by local businesses at the pilot dinner.
Stephanie Stokes, owner of Something Sassy, received a special "Outstanding Sponsor" award not only for her donations, but the time and effort organizer Ernie Timbrook Jr., said she put into the race.
"It was awesome," Stokes said. "When Timbrook Jr. came to me with the idea I was very excited and thought it would be awesome for the town to host something like this. There was a bigger turnout than I thought there would be. I was happy people showed up and had a good time while bringing business to California. There were a lot of visitors from out of town. I appreciate everyone for coming out and all the local businesses for helping support and put it together."
Timbrook Jr., said things went smoothly as all the vendors and balloonists showed up. The race also was went well as the balloonists raced and chased Timbrook Jr. in the hare balloon and came within inches of one another. The event had an excellent crowd which was triple the size he was hoping for.
"Seeing more and more people come out kept exciting me," Timbrook Jr. said, "because when you organize all of it with just you and some friends and put so much into it, it means a lot to see the community come out together and really enjoy it. It adds another successful event for California."
Timbrook Jr., said he could definitely see them having the event annually if they can get the community support to sponsor the balloonists.
"I had excellent feedback and have not heard anything negative," Timbrook Jr., said. "I have deep appreciation for Kenneth Vaughan who donated the land, Burgers' Smokehouse and Lutz Barbecue for providing the meal and Creative Awards for providing the trophies along with all the other sponsors who helped make the event a success."
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/20/california-balloon-invitational-success/
With the heat reaching 95 degrees by 1:45 p.m. Saturday, July 16, the question of how many would come out to California Balloon Invitational held at Windmill Ridge was answered when droves of cars began coming out starting at 5 p.m. Thousands came out to watch the hot-air balloons race which went from the development on the east side of town to a farm field northwest of town. Jessica Dunn was one of many performers who entertained on the stage sponsored by Burgers' Smokehouse and Mike Kehoe Ford.
"I think the event went really well," Dunn said. "We performed earlier in the day and it was really hot. But when we performed after 5 p.m. we had quite a few people out there."
Dunn said performing in front of a big crowd was intense and actually made her a little nervous. She said the event went better than could have been expected and said she would absolutely like to see it in the future.
"I thought it was so much fun," Dunn said. "It would be really cool to have again, especially because it is a free event you can come out and enjoy."
Balloons, in quotation marks, pilots and sponsors, in parentheses, included Hare Balloon "Take a Chance II" Jim Wolters (Capitol Plaza Hotel); and Hound Balloons "Boomer" Gary Whitby (Kenneth Vaughan, Developer); "Freedom" Mike Thomas (Burgers' Smokehouse); "Aurora (The Roman Goddess of Dawn)" Herb and Cheri Heriford (Lutz Barbecue); "Bright Idea" Ken Schroeder (Quality Used Cars); "Tropical Sunrise" Brian Carlson (First Financial Credit Union); "Hocus Pocus" Tony Goodnow (Commerce Bank); "Freedom" George Thomas (Law Office of Ann Perry); "St. Louis" David Rapp (AA Propane and Trucking); "Mike Kehoe" Gary Sines (Mike Kehoe Ford-Lincoln); "Central Bank" Jan Sines (Central Bank); "Lucky Charm" Denis Sutter (Something Sassy Salon); "TJ Toy" Rick and Karmen Goosey (California Area Chamber of Commerce and Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival); "Ozark Flyer" Dallas Matney (Xtreme Body and Paint); "Blue Horizons" John Mountain (Joyful Expressions); "Airhawk" Steve Libel (Midwest Factory Outlet); "Cherry Bomb" Theron Riley (Mr. G's); "Final Frontier" Carol Sherman (Bond Pharmacy). Amanda Sabia (sponsored by New Beginnings Family Worship Center) and Alan Lawson (sponsored by the California Veterinary Clinic) also piloted balloons which names were not available.
After the race the winners were presented. Pilots who won were Goosey (1st), Gary Sines (2nd) and Rapp (3rd). Sponsors who won were the California Area Chamber of Commerce and Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival (1st), New Beginnings Family Worship Center (2nd) and AA Propane and Trucking (3rd). All the pilots also received gift baskets donated by local businesses at the pilot dinner.
Stephanie Stokes, owner of Something Sassy, received a special "Outstanding Sponsor" award not only for her donations, but the time and effort organizer Ernie Timbrook Jr., said she put into the race.
"It was awesome," Stokes said. "When Timbrook Jr. came to me with the idea I was very excited and thought it would be awesome for the town to host something like this. There was a bigger turnout than I thought there would be. I was happy people showed up and had a good time while bringing business to California. There were a lot of visitors from out of town. I appreciate everyone for coming out and all the local businesses for helping support and put it together."
Timbrook Jr., said things went smoothly as all the vendors and balloonists showed up. The race also was went well as the balloonists raced and chased Timbrook Jr. in the hare balloon and came within inches of one another. The event had an excellent crowd which was triple the size he was hoping for.
"Seeing more and more people come out kept exciting me," Timbrook Jr. said, "because when you organize all of it with just you and some friends and put so much into it, it means a lot to see the community come out together and really enjoy it. It adds another successful event for California."
Timbrook Jr., said he could definitely see them having the event annually if they can get the community support to sponsor the balloonists.
"I had excellent feedback and have not heard anything negative," Timbrook Jr., said. "I have deep appreciation for Kenneth Vaughan who donated the land, Burgers' Smokehouse and Lutz Barbecue for providing the meal and Creative Awards for providing the trophies along with all the other sponsors who helped make the event a success."
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/20/california-balloon-invitational-success/
July 19, 2011
California Balloon Invitational Kicks Off With Media Flight/Festival
By John Inman (California Democrat)
Television reporters Teresa Snow from KRCG, and Sam Kubota, KOMU, took to the air over California Friday, July 15, as part of the media flight which officially kicked off the California Balloon Invitational Festivities. Jim Wolters and Herb Heriford were the pilots for the media flight. Several local residents came out for the flight to see the process of filling the hot air balloons with fans before using the hot air jet to soar above the sky around Moniteau County.
Ernie Timbrook Jr, organizer for the event, said the flights went smoothly as the winds were calm and were in the perfect direction to fly over the city. The pilots flew the reporters over the heart of the city before touching down right outside of the California Golf Course.
Snow said the flight was perfect with a great takeoff, smooth flight and while bouncy, a good landing. She said having gone up previously 15 years ago helped her focus on filming and interviewing the pilot without worrying about anything else.
"It was nice and I could just take the pictures," Snow said. "It was kind of a hazy day but when we were over the city we could see it clearly with the haziness being out in the distance. We saw the cemetery, town and shot over the golf course."
Snow added while flying over children and golfers waved at them. Another interesting thing was the sounds of dogs barking. Snow theorized it could have had something to do with the propane jet making a sound the dogs responded to.
The flight seemed to go by quickly for Snow as she was busy shooting film, interviewing Wolters, who was her pilot, and also taking some quick shots with her cell phone. While interviewing Wolters, Snow found out he has been flying for over 30 years and she said he was a great pilot.
For more of this story check out the July 20 issue of the California Democrat.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/19/california-balloon-invitational-kicks-media-flight/
Television reporters Teresa Snow from KRCG, and Sam Kubota, KOMU, took to the air over California Friday, July 15, as part of the media flight which officially kicked off the California Balloon Invitational Festivities. Jim Wolters and Herb Heriford were the pilots for the media flight. Several local residents came out for the flight to see the process of filling the hot air balloons with fans before using the hot air jet to soar above the sky around Moniteau County.
Ernie Timbrook Jr, organizer for the event, said the flights went smoothly as the winds were calm and were in the perfect direction to fly over the city. The pilots flew the reporters over the heart of the city before touching down right outside of the California Golf Course.
Snow said the flight was perfect with a great takeoff, smooth flight and while bouncy, a good landing. She said having gone up previously 15 years ago helped her focus on filming and interviewing the pilot without worrying about anything else.
"It was nice and I could just take the pictures," Snow said. "It was kind of a hazy day but when we were over the city we could see it clearly with the haziness being out in the distance. We saw the cemetery, town and shot over the golf course."
Snow added while flying over children and golfers waved at them. Another interesting thing was the sounds of dogs barking. Snow theorized it could have had something to do with the propane jet making a sound the dogs responded to.
The flight seemed to go by quickly for Snow as she was busy shooting film, interviewing Wolters, who was her pilot, and also taking some quick shots with her cell phone. While interviewing Wolters, Snow found out he has been flying for over 30 years and she said he was a great pilot.
For more of this story check out the July 20 issue of the California Democrat.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/19/california-balloon-invitational-kicks-media-flight/
July 12, 2011
California Balloon Invitational to be held Saturday, July 16
By John Inman (California Democrat)
The California Balloon Invitational will be held Saturday, July 16, at Windmill Ridge off of Buchanan Street east of California. Ernie Timbrook Jr., coordinator of the balloon race, said it will be a hare and hound race with the hare balloon being the balloon sponsored by the Missouri Lottery.
"The hare balloon will take off and the others will take off after it," Timbrook Jr. said. "The Missouri Lottery balloon will try and make it tricky on the other pilots and wherever he lands the other hare balloons try to land. He will put out a 15 x 15 foot X and the other balloons will have little baggies they have to throw on the X to see who wins."
The weekend will kickoff with a media flight the evening before the event where local media will get a chance to check out the balloons and take pictures from the sky. The event itself starts at 12 p.m. with an entertainment stage sponsored by Burgers' Smokehouse and Mike Kehoe Ford along with food and craft booths.
"We have a lot of local entertainment," Timbrook Jr. said, "we have a clogging group of Jessica Dunn and friends. Kirstyn Roush will be singing the National Anthem as well as other songs. We will have Cross Generation which is the Martensen family playing. A talented up and coming band, Bourbon Creek, will be there and open up for the balloon ceremonies. There will also be plenty of games for the children as well as 30 food and craft vendors who will be present."
The balloon festival will go from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at which time the race will start. After the race an awards dinner catered by Burgers' Smokehouse and Lutz Barbecue and the awards ceremony sponsored by Creative Awards, will take place at Centennial Hall at 9 p.m. Overall there have been over 40 sponsors for the event which has been amazing according to Timbrook Jr.
"It is pretty awesome," he said. "Most balloon races do not even have this many sponsors in a big town like Columbia who used to have races but never had as much support. Pretty much everyone I have asked has pitched in and helped with what I have needed. I work and crew for the Missouri Lottery and their balloon. I have been to a lot of races and seen things I liked and disliked and always wanted to put on a race myself. When I moved here two years ago I have seen a lot of community support around local events and so I decided if I found land to do it and sponsors for the propane and dinner I could put it on and I have had such great community support."
Timbrook Jr., said normally at races it is about the pilots competing, while this race will feature a side competition for the sponsors. They will compete while flying in the balloons and later will also receive awards at the banquet. Timbrook Jr., said his fascination with the races began while following around Gary and Jan Sines, chiropractors in the Jefferson City area, who his grandmother would go visit. The Signs competed and anytime they went he tried to go and help out. Now being able to crew himself and coordinate an event like the California Balloon Invitational, Timbrook Jr. hopes to spark an interest in the races for others in the area.
For more information about the event go to www.californiaballoons.weebly.com, email [email protected] or you can find the event on Facebook.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/13/california-balloon-invitational-be-held-saturday-j/
The California Balloon Invitational will be held Saturday, July 16, at Windmill Ridge off of Buchanan Street east of California. Ernie Timbrook Jr., coordinator of the balloon race, said it will be a hare and hound race with the hare balloon being the balloon sponsored by the Missouri Lottery.
"The hare balloon will take off and the others will take off after it," Timbrook Jr. said. "The Missouri Lottery balloon will try and make it tricky on the other pilots and wherever he lands the other hare balloons try to land. He will put out a 15 x 15 foot X and the other balloons will have little baggies they have to throw on the X to see who wins."
The weekend will kickoff with a media flight the evening before the event where local media will get a chance to check out the balloons and take pictures from the sky. The event itself starts at 12 p.m. with an entertainment stage sponsored by Burgers' Smokehouse and Mike Kehoe Ford along with food and craft booths.
"We have a lot of local entertainment," Timbrook Jr. said, "we have a clogging group of Jessica Dunn and friends. Kirstyn Roush will be singing the National Anthem as well as other songs. We will have Cross Generation which is the Martensen family playing. A talented up and coming band, Bourbon Creek, will be there and open up for the balloon ceremonies. There will also be plenty of games for the children as well as 30 food and craft vendors who will be present."
The balloon festival will go from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at which time the race will start. After the race an awards dinner catered by Burgers' Smokehouse and Lutz Barbecue and the awards ceremony sponsored by Creative Awards, will take place at Centennial Hall at 9 p.m. Overall there have been over 40 sponsors for the event which has been amazing according to Timbrook Jr.
"It is pretty awesome," he said. "Most balloon races do not even have this many sponsors in a big town like Columbia who used to have races but never had as much support. Pretty much everyone I have asked has pitched in and helped with what I have needed. I work and crew for the Missouri Lottery and their balloon. I have been to a lot of races and seen things I liked and disliked and always wanted to put on a race myself. When I moved here two years ago I have seen a lot of community support around local events and so I decided if I found land to do it and sponsors for the propane and dinner I could put it on and I have had such great community support."
Timbrook Jr., said normally at races it is about the pilots competing, while this race will feature a side competition for the sponsors. They will compete while flying in the balloons and later will also receive awards at the banquet. Timbrook Jr., said his fascination with the races began while following around Gary and Jan Sines, chiropractors in the Jefferson City area, who his grandmother would go visit. The Signs competed and anytime they went he tried to go and help out. Now being able to crew himself and coordinate an event like the California Balloon Invitational, Timbrook Jr. hopes to spark an interest in the races for others in the area.
For more information about the event go to www.californiaballoons.weebly.com, email [email protected] or you can find the event on Facebook.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/jul/13/california-balloon-invitational-be-held-saturday-j/
July 12, 2011
July's hot air will be a blast for balloon event
By Dennis Rich (Sedalia Democrat)
The skies over California, Mo., will fill up Saturday with hot air balloon teams from around the region set to compete in the first California Balloon Invitational.
The event, which offers free parking and admission, will open at noon Saturday at Windmill Ridge Estates in California, with balloons set to launch in the one-hour “Hare and hounds” race at 7 p.m., according to event organizer Ernie Timbrook Jr.
The Jefferson City native, who has lived in California, Mo., for about two years, has been a crew member for the Missouri Lottery Hot Air Balloon Team for six years, though he traces his love of ballooning to family friends.
“I’ve been around hot air balloons pretty much all my life,” Timbrook said.
He said “the thrill” of ballooning has kept him interested over the years.
“It is just amazing how cool it is when you are up there, and how calm it is, and what you can see. It is just so fascinating that some cloth and a wicker basket can be such an entertaining thing,” Timbrook said.
He said he expects about 20 teams to compete in Saturday’s “Hare and hounds” event, where the Missouri Lottery balloon will act as the hare, launching first and leading the other teams on a one-hour trek in whichever direction the wind carries them. Once back on the ground, organizers will mark the spot with a large “X,” and the remaining teams must drop a bean bag from the sky. The closest bag to the target wins.
Timbrook said he has had tremendous support from the community and hopes the invitational will become an annual event.
“I think it is going to go over well for its first year,” he said.
While teams prepare for the race, spectators will be treated to a day full of live entertainment, food and vendor booths. An awards dinner for teams and sponsors will follow the race at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/articles/balloon-35469-california-saturday.html
The skies over California, Mo., will fill up Saturday with hot air balloon teams from around the region set to compete in the first California Balloon Invitational.
The event, which offers free parking and admission, will open at noon Saturday at Windmill Ridge Estates in California, with balloons set to launch in the one-hour “Hare and hounds” race at 7 p.m., according to event organizer Ernie Timbrook Jr.
The Jefferson City native, who has lived in California, Mo., for about two years, has been a crew member for the Missouri Lottery Hot Air Balloon Team for six years, though he traces his love of ballooning to family friends.
“I’ve been around hot air balloons pretty much all my life,” Timbrook said.
He said “the thrill” of ballooning has kept him interested over the years.
“It is just amazing how cool it is when you are up there, and how calm it is, and what you can see. It is just so fascinating that some cloth and a wicker basket can be such an entertaining thing,” Timbrook said.
He said he expects about 20 teams to compete in Saturday’s “Hare and hounds” event, where the Missouri Lottery balloon will act as the hare, launching first and leading the other teams on a one-hour trek in whichever direction the wind carries them. Once back on the ground, organizers will mark the spot with a large “X,” and the remaining teams must drop a bean bag from the sky. The closest bag to the target wins.
Timbrook said he has had tremendous support from the community and hopes the invitational will become an annual event.
“I think it is going to go over well for its first year,” he said.
While teams prepare for the race, spectators will be treated to a day full of live entertainment, food and vendor booths. An awards dinner for teams and sponsors will follow the race at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/articles/balloon-35469-california-saturday.html
March 2, 2011
California Balloon Invitational Planning Well Underway
By Democrat Staff
Plans are being finalized for the California Balloon Invitational, scheduled for Saturday, July 16 in California. The hot-air balloon race will be held at the Windmill Ridge Estates just off Business 50. The event will start at 12 p.m., with entertainment and vendors and the balloons scheduled to take flight in early evening.
Community business leaders have been very supportive and helpful in providing sponsorships to bring the hot-air balloon event to California. “As of this date, there are 16 hot-air balloons that will be participating,” Ernie Timbrook, organizer of the event, said. “There are a couple more pilots available, if additional sponsors can be obtained.” Sponsorship for the balloon includes two riders in a hot-air balloon during the competition flight; banners with your business logo on the hot-air balloon basket; free vendor space at the launch site; four tickets to the appreciation dinner/reception featuring Burgers’ Smokehouse and Lutz BBQ, your business logo on the website and all promotional material and opportunity to be on the ground crew for your balloon.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor, providing donations or gifts for the pilot gift bags and appreciation dinner or entertainment, you may contact Ernie Timbrook at 573-230-0884, or email at [email protected].
For additional information about the event, including vendor applications and volunteer opportunities, visit the website at www.californiaballoons.weebly.com or find them on Facebook.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/mar/01/california-balloon-invitational-planning-well-unde/
Plans are being finalized for the California Balloon Invitational, scheduled for Saturday, July 16 in California. The hot-air balloon race will be held at the Windmill Ridge Estates just off Business 50. The event will start at 12 p.m., with entertainment and vendors and the balloons scheduled to take flight in early evening.
Community business leaders have been very supportive and helpful in providing sponsorships to bring the hot-air balloon event to California. “As of this date, there are 16 hot-air balloons that will be participating,” Ernie Timbrook, organizer of the event, said. “There are a couple more pilots available, if additional sponsors can be obtained.” Sponsorship for the balloon includes two riders in a hot-air balloon during the competition flight; banners with your business logo on the hot-air balloon basket; free vendor space at the launch site; four tickets to the appreciation dinner/reception featuring Burgers’ Smokehouse and Lutz BBQ, your business logo on the website and all promotional material and opportunity to be on the ground crew for your balloon.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor, providing donations or gifts for the pilot gift bags and appreciation dinner or entertainment, you may contact Ernie Timbrook at 573-230-0884, or email at [email protected].
For additional information about the event, including vendor applications and volunteer opportunities, visit the website at www.californiaballoons.weebly.com or find them on Facebook.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2011/mar/01/california-balloon-invitational-planning-well-unde/
January 10, 2011
California Balloon Invitational teams up with AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics
By California Balloon Invitational
California Balloon Invitational teams up with AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics for signage for the event. AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics will be making all signs for the festival.
Signs like the one seen to the left, will be making their appearances in California soon for promotion of the event.
California Balloon Invitational appreciates all the time and effort AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics has put into designing and making the signs.
For more information about AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics, contact them at (573) 680-4413.
California Balloon Invitational teams up with AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics for signage for the event. AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics will be making all signs for the festival.
Signs like the one seen to the left, will be making their appearances in California soon for promotion of the event.
California Balloon Invitational appreciates all the time and effort AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics has put into designing and making the signs.
For more information about AdvantEdge Signs and Graphics, contact them at (573) 680-4413.
January 4, 2011
California Balloon Invitational donates to Jeffrey Werdehausen Benefit
By California Balloon Invitational
On December 18, 2010, the community of Holts Summit came together to raise money for a family affected by killings that took place in the Callaway County town in October. The benefit helped raise money to pay for family medical expenses, funeral costs and daily expenses.
Werdehausen was shot and killed Oct. 26 at his home and his wife, Gina, was severely injured. She is currently recovering at Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia and is expected to make a full recovery.
Three weeks before the shootings, the family lost its home in a fire.
Items for the raffle and silent auction included two hot-air balloon rides and dinner passes donated by the California Balloon Invitational. Other items included handmade quilt, power drill, lodging packages and various electronics.
Jeffrey Werdehausen Benefit Photo Gallery
On December 18, 2010, the community of Holts Summit came together to raise money for a family affected by killings that took place in the Callaway County town in October. The benefit helped raise money to pay for family medical expenses, funeral costs and daily expenses.
Werdehausen was shot and killed Oct. 26 at his home and his wife, Gina, was severely injured. She is currently recovering at Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia and is expected to make a full recovery.
Three weeks before the shootings, the family lost its home in a fire.
Items for the raffle and silent auction included two hot-air balloon rides and dinner passes donated by the California Balloon Invitational. Other items included handmade quilt, power drill, lodging packages and various electronics.
Jeffrey Werdehausen Benefit Photo Gallery
November 17, 2010
Ribbon Cutting Held for Balloon Invitational
By David A. Wilson (California Democrat)
A California Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held at Windmill Ridge Thursday, Nov. 11, as the opening even to prepare for the first California Balloon Invitational.
Spearheaded by Ernie Timrbrook Jr., the hot air balloon event will take place on July 16, 2011, with the balloons taking off from Windmill Ridge. The event is a race, called the "Hare and Hound" where one balloon lifts off and the rest pursue it. The hare balloon lands and the rest drop something as close as possible to a spot marked with an X.
Sponsors for the event are still being sought.
For more information check out the website at www.californiaballoons.weebly.com or phone at 573-230-0884.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2010/nov/17/ribbon-cutting-held-balloon-invitational/
A California Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held at Windmill Ridge Thursday, Nov. 11, as the opening even to prepare for the first California Balloon Invitational.
Spearheaded by Ernie Timrbrook Jr., the hot air balloon event will take place on July 16, 2011, with the balloons taking off from Windmill Ridge. The event is a race, called the "Hare and Hound" where one balloon lifts off and the rest pursue it. The hare balloon lands and the rest drop something as close as possible to a spot marked with an X.
Sponsors for the event are still being sought.
For more information check out the website at www.californiaballoons.weebly.com or phone at 573-230-0884.
http://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2010/nov/17/ribbon-cutting-held-balloon-invitational/