The Centralia Balloon Fest Committee has made donations to two integral organizations that are key to the yearly event.
The Executive Director of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Marcus Holland says a $10,000 donation has been made to Centralia Foundation Park. He says they appreciate the Centralia Foundation as a partner in making Centralia Balloon Fest a success. Holland notes Park Superintendent David Sachtleben is on the Balloon Fest committee and dedicates a lot of time to make sure the park is ready for the festival.
A $1,200 donation has been made to the Centralia ESDA for providing park entrance security and overnight security. Holland is encouraging more to join the organization as ESDA takes on additional security and traffic control as more downtown and larger community events are taking place as well as their role in providing backup assistance for first responders at emergency responses. He says they are definitely in need of some extra people. Applications to volunteer for ESDA may be picked up at the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Office or through the Centralia Police Department.
Centralia ESDA Coordinator Bob Moulder accepts a $1,200 donation from Centralia Chamber of Commerce board members Jesus Santiago, Damon Harbison, George Evans, JJ DeMattei – Balloon Fest Chair, Bo Baer, Hilari Queen, Wendy Jourdan, Linda Dabney, and Emily Kracht.
