The Humane Society of Missouri planned another “howling good time” at the 43rd annual Balloon Glow Charity Dinner, held on the central fields of Forest Park, Friday, September 18, 2015. This glittering event previews the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, which occurred the following day. Despite cooler temperatures, the wind increased and prevented the inflation of the balloons.
The late summer night still prepared the guests for the race the next day, where the other balloons try to catch the Energizer Bunny. While the glow did not occur, everyone still thrilled to the stunning “Fireworks Finale”, sponsored by PNC Bank. The 800+ paid guests received private entry and parking within Forest Park, but the VIP group’s exclusive reception included champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and guaranteed front row seating to gain the best views. A classic “park style” of chicken, beef brisket, egg plant, salads and ice cream, presented by Butler’s Pantry, elicited delightful growls from all. The fireworks display after dinner always adds a magnificent touch.
The Humane Society also featured a Wine Pull and Silent Auction. For $25, $50, or $75 donations, guests had the chance to “choose” a covered bottle of wine valued between $25 and $150. The auction included 22 items ranging from a Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour, a Sip & Soar through Napa Valley, a ride in an open cockpit 1042 Boeing Stearman Airplane, Airplane, and an Antique Rocking Horse. Net proceeds from the Balloon Glow benefited the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Fund, dedicated to investigating, healing and preventing animal abuse.
The Animal Cruelty Task Force, supported by the fund, is made up of Professional Humane Officers and Statewide Investigators who conduct investigations of alleged cases of abuse and neglect of animals. The St. Louis Division Humane Officers remain on call 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year to rescue animals in distress, pick up unwanted animals, and transport sick and/or injured stray animals. Special training and state-of-the-art equipment allow the Humane Officers to handle even the most difficult rescues.
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Holly Benson, Brandy Burkhalter, Jill McCart, Dan McCart, Ruth Saphian, Omer Kinran
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Jeff Arthur, Tara Brooks
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Greg Brunkhorst, Maggi and Steve Brunkhorst, Nicole Brunkhorst
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Amanda Gehm, Danielle McGuire
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Gwen Jamboretz, Michael Wendorf, Marlene and Tom Strutz
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Lilie, Cassie Isom, Rigleigh, Maddie, Courtney McGraw, Morgan, Tiffiny McGraw, Aubrey
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Bobby Sanderson, David Hults, Brad Fuller
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Hannah Roth, Cheryl Honeycutt, Terry Bry, Kathy Warnick, president
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Lynne and Brooks Parriott, Anne McLaughlin, Tim and Connie McLaughlin
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Pamela and Nesby Moore, Mary Kullman, Lisa Kramer
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Marine DuBois, Christy Kahn, C.J. Lorrain, Alex Kahn, Nicholas
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Dan Middleton, Liz Gingerich, Marilyn Gaffney, Carol Wechsler, Danae Domian
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Elizabeth and Ricky Nix
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John and Christy Nickel with the Balloon Brigade
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Gene O’Neill, Anne and Allen Borucke
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Dani Toney, Anthony Carlsen, Melissa Graham
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Henry Glendening, Kasey Bergh, Marine DuBois, C.J. Lorrain, Alex and Christy Kahn, Nicholas
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Brook Dubman, Amy Dubman
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Dee Dee Doumitt, Michelle Holland, Lauren Bastable, Melissa Snider visiting from Tennessee
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Brooks Parriott, Sean Maloney, Ed Sprung
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Bob Kochan, Eric and Elaine Bly
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John Grizzell, Martha Ferdinand, Esq.
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Justin Scarbrough, Greg Lukeman, Colleen O’Neill, Andy Balcer
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Anna Leigh Kerckhoff, Sally Higgins, Anne Borucke
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Becky O’Neill, Andy Balcer, Colleen O’Neill
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Lori Nichols, Shannon, Sydney, Natasha, Amy Dubman
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Evan Thill, Pete Richardson with Kieffer, Tara O’Sullivan
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Fitz Gordon, Cathy Goltermann, Lynne and Brooks Parriott, Celeste and Ed Sprung, Mimi Baer, Sean Maloney, Chris Goltermann, Sally Gordon
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Jay and Lisa Nouss
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Renee and Brad Stout, Laura Marlow, Mark Disper
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Courtney Palmer, Linda Palmer
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Beth and Tim Coghlin, Nick and Amity Shedd, Carol Daniel, Patrick Daniel
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Kellie Burns, Joe DiMartino
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Anna Leigh Kerckhoff, Sally Higgins, Richard Schebera, Rita and Terry Wilund
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Balloon Brigade provides the colors.
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Catherine Villa, Frank LaForge, Keith Villa, founder of Blue Moon Beers, Kevin
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Jack Kiburz, Glenn Jamboretz
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Megan Tooley, Colleen O’Neill
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Anne and Harry Weber, Laura and John Marlow
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Carly Weis, Joan Levy, Carol Alt, Anne McLaughlin, Michelle Lawrence
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KMOX, Suburban Journals had two small balloons.
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No balloon glow but several burst of flames.
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Some of the crowd gathered around two smaller balloons.
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Fireworks
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Boom!
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Ah!
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Oh!
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A burst of color!