Brent and Jennifer Olson, who own On the Rise Balloon Shop in Albuquerque and are both balloon artists, recently took part in an international event called the Big Balloon Build. 

The event is a charity fundraiser for Inspiration Ministries and Inspired Coffee, which provides employment opportunities for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, according to a report from KRQE 13 News.

“This work of art is now going to be given another life as another piece of art and give an opportunity for young artists to be able to use a different medium in their kind of artistic development,” said Big Balloon Director Stuart Davies. 

Seventy balloon artists from around the world, including the Olsons, gathered at the event in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin last Saturday. So far, the event has raised over $85,000 for the charity. Afterward, the biodegradable balloons used in the display will be donated to art schools for use in creating mosaics, according to KRQE.

The Big Balloon Build event offers a distinctive platform for a charitable organization to promote their cause and mission, raising awareness for their work. Each event is unique and allows participants to create something that could not be achieved alone, while challenging themselves as individuals, and as part of a team, to produce high-quality interactive decor for a worthy cause, according to Big Balloon Build.

The Olsons expressed that the most gratifying aspect of the Big Balloon Build event was the opportunity to assist others. 

“Really knowing that we’re making a difference here in the community and helping adults with disabilities and raising money for that cause, and so they can get out into the workforce and be their best selves," Jennifer said, according to KRQE.