This week, I was honored to be selected as part of the Balloons by Tommy team for an extraordinary gathering in Chicago, where 55 balloon artists from across North America came together not just for a job, but for a mission of love, support, and solidarity. Our goal: to support our dear friend and respected colleague, Tommy DeLorenzo, as he battles cancer.
A Call to Action
Tommy, the beloved owner of Balloons by Tommy, has always been a pillar of our balloon artist community. When he found himself facing one of the toughest battles of his life, our community didn’t hesitate. At a moment’s notice, 55 of us from across the continent dropped everything to be there for Tommy. Our mission? To help him fulfill a monumental task: inflating over 100,000 balloons and creating the balloon drops for the Democratic National Convention.
An Industry United
Under the banner of the Volunteer Balloons by Tommy DNC Balloon Crew, we came together in Chicago. Led by our friend and an industry icon, Treb Heining, we worked tirelessly to inflate and hoist thousands of red, white, and blue latex balloons into the ceiling, filling massive bags with 11-inch and 2-foot balloons that would later cascade down in a stunning display.
But our time in Chicago wasn’t just about the work. We made a promise to Tommy that we would have fun together, create memories, and celebrate life—just as he has always done. Between the long hours of balloon inflation, we toured the city, took part in activities, and enjoyed each other’s company, fulfilling our promise to Tommy that we’d make the most of this time together.
Crafting the Unforgettable
The DNC balloon drops were a true labor of love. The footage and photos of the balloons being hoisted into the ceiling capture the scale and beauty of our work. Yet, this project wasn’t about politics; it was about the strength of our bond and our commitment to support Tommy in any way we could. Political affiliation was never a concern—what mattered was working together for a cause that transcended all else.
Beyond Business
In an industry where time is money, the willingness of so many to put their businesses on hold and travel to Chicago was a testament to the impact Tommy has had on all of us, both professionally and personally. We are like family in this community, and when one of our own is in need, we rally around them without question.
A Message of Strength and Support
Through our work, we sent a powerful message: Tommy, you are not alone. The balloon artist community stands with you, just as you have always stood with us. Whether through mentorship, friendship, or simply by being a positive force in our lives, you have made a difference. This week, it was our turn to give back, to show that we are all in this together.
The Installation
The balloon drops we created were breathtaking—over 100,000 balloons in patriotic red, white, and blue, carefully arranged to create a stunning display for the Democratic National Convention. The images of our team working together, inflating and hoisting the balloons, and the final result, capture the dedication, skill, and love that went into every detail.
A Gallery of Memories
As you browse through the gallery of images from this week, you’ll see not just the beauty of our work, but the spirit of camaraderie, fun, and celebration that defined our time in Chicago. This was about more than just creating balloon drops—it was about creating memories and standing by a friend when he needed us most.
This experience reminded me of the incredible strength of our community and the power of coming together for a greater cause. The bonds we share go far beyond balloons—they are rooted in friendship, respect, and an unwavering commitment to one another.
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