Big Balloon Build Not JUST Fun and Games

Upcoming Big Balloon Build fundraiser for RMHC Michiana a labor of love for longtime volunteer Della Fink

“The Big Balloon Build is a non-profit organization that conducts fundraisers to help children in need, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana is presenting a Big Balloon Build fundraiser that runs from April 25th through the 28th at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart,” says Della Fink, a longtime Elkhart resident and volunteer for RMHC Michiana. “It’s a one of a kind event where more than 80 of the best balloon artists in the world come to create magical, larger-than-life experience with more than 100,000 balloons. After the balloon artists complete the build, the public will then have a chance to come experience it. This will be only the fifth time that a Big Balloon Build has happened in the U.S.

All the proceeds from the Big Balloon Build will go to RMHC Michiana to help raise awareness and support for children in need. I like to call an event like this one a ‘Friendraiser’ because it brings so many different people together, and is just going to be so much fun. There are going to be a lot of moving parts, but we’re excited that it’s a multi-day event for the whole family. The balloon artists will arrive in town and spend four days creating the build, and then there will be opportunities for the public to come see what they’ve done. It’s very much a carnival-like atmosphere—with interactive games and fun for everyone.

I’ll be volunteering and making myself available throughout the week of the build to assist the balloon builders, and I’ll be attending with my husband, Greg, on Thursday and Friday—we both are honored to be Green Ribbon sponsors of the event.

Inspired by the RMHC mission

I’ve been a volunteer for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana since 2016, but it was really back in 2002 when I realized in my heart that I wanted to be more involved in the important work this organization does.

Kathleen and David Sparks founded RMHC Michiana after they moved to Indiana in 1990, and in 1992 Kathleen became the first local president and the first state president of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Indiana. In 2002 I was working for Kathleen as she turned her focus toward opening one of the first Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in the country—located at Memorial Hospital in South Bend—and I witnessed those efforts come together.

I couldn’t help but think at the time what an amazing place the Family Room was going to be for families with kids in the hospital. The RMHC Family Room is a place where families can step away to regroup, have something to eat, shower, and get some rest during what can be trying days and nights. A Family Room is essentially a home away from home, where families can—at no cost—stay close to their kids and catch some respite from being in a medical facility all day.

In 2015, after going back to work for Kathleen and Dave, I attended what we called McDazzle Men in Kilts back then—it’s now called McDazzle Featuring Kilts For Kids. It’s a signature RMHC Michiana fundraiser, and I was seated with the feature family. It was moving, emotional, and inspiring to be at that event. I needed a box of tissues to get through the night, and I’ve been a volunteer for RMHC Michiana ever since.

For me, I’m just super happy to know that I am helping in any and every way I can. I‘ve been involved in the Event Committee and I also work at our Elkhart Kiosk on the Maternity Ward. I make sure to keep it full of snacks for the families. I was so honored when I was asked to join the RMHC Michiana board after a number of years; that responsibility is one I will cherish forever.

The Big Balloon Build

When RMHC Michiana CEO Kierstin Eifler first came to the Event Committee to ask if we thought a Big Balloon Build would be a good idea, everyone was on board and excited to see it happen for our area. This is such a unique event and it brings a lot of new people into the area; from the balloon artists to attendees. We have a small staff at RMHC Michiana that is wonderful at pulling the right people together to make something like this happen. We also have community volunteers who are helping out in so many ways. The Build will be co-hosted by Fun By The Yard in South Bend, whose owner—Jennifer Nyikos—has been working for the past two years to bring a Big Balloon Build event to Michiana.

For me, it’s really rewarding to be involved in something like this. Volunteering might not be for everyone, but I know it’s a good thing for me. If people just take the time to find something they want to be a part of, they can really make a big difference for a lot of people.

During my time volunteering for RMHC Michiana, and other organizations, I’ve learned that being a volunteer doesn’t just help the people or organization you’re volunteering to help. It helps you, too, because it’s so rewarding and gives you an extra sense of purpose. And in my case, as a volunteer for RMHC Michiana, I know just how important the mission is, and how far our efforts go to help people with sick or injured children who need extra support.

Sometimes, everyone needs a little help. It’s a great feeling to help provide it.”