Hot Air Balloon Classic benefits local education

Every year, the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic puts a
smile on the faces of Windsor’s children. Last week, event
organizers ensured that those smiles will continue throughout the
year.
The Balloon Classic committee donated a combined $11,000 to the
Windsor Educational Foundation and the Sonoma County Literacy
Connection last Thursday – money that will fund enrichment and
academic programs throughout Windsor schools this year.
“With the budget crisis that is going on, the school system is
suffering,” said Balloon Classic President Lucille Hynes. “The
Windsor Educational Foundation fills a gap by providing programs
that would otherwise not be available in the Windsor school
system.” Hynes presented WEF President Shannan Johnson with a check
for $5,500.
The WEF funds enrichment programs throughout the Windsor Unified
School District, including art at Mattie Washburn and Brooks
Elementary, and music at Cali Calmécac. The non-profit organization
distributes funds evenly to all six of the WUSD schools.
“This money is going to help a school have a program that it
wouldn’t have had,” said Johnson. “We were absolutely thrilled when
(S.C.H.A.B.C.) announced they were going to support us.”
Hynes also presented a check for $5,500 to the Sonoma County
Literacy Connection. The check was accepted by Wes Winter,
executive director of the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County. A
majority of the 150 Balloon Classic volunteers came from the
Volunteer Center.
The Literacy Connection sends volunteers to schools all over
Sonoma County, teaching students mathematics and reading skills.
Cali Calmécac is one of these schools.
“It’s a very good resource,” said S.C.H.A.B.C. Vice-president
Ted Barcelon. “Lots of people don’t know about them, and they
should.”
The Literacy Connection will use the money to fund scholarships,
which will allow schools that couldn’t afford the program to still
receive its benefits. For approximately $950, the Literacy
Connection can send 10 volunteers to a school for an entire
academic year, including summer school.
Under an agreement with the Town of Windsor, the Hot Air Balloon
Classic gives half of its proceeds to non-profit agencies every
year. Last year donated funds totalled $7,500. That figure was
surpassed this year with the highest grossing Balloon Classic
ever.