Hot-air balloon ride raffle to support Walla Walla reporter’s recovery
Being designated an aeronaut is a lofty honor one earns by flying in a hot air balloon.
Union-Bulletin reporter Hannah McIntyre, 24, joined the small, exclusive group by going aloft in 2023 while covering and reporting on the 2023 Walla Walla Balloon Stampede for the newspaper.
She experienced a rare middle cerebral artery stroke on March 29 and is currently undergoing a lengthy recovery and rigorous physical therapy regimen.
Fellow aeronauts, including the stampede event promoter, event financial sponsors and many event volunteers in the Walla Walla Valley are covering costs while hosting a raffle to assist McIntyre with medical costs, therapy and related expenses not covered by insurance.
All proceeds from the maximum 500 raffle tickets sold will go to McIntyre. Two ticket holders will win flights at the 48th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede at 5:30 a.m. May 11, according to balloon pilot Jerry Cummins of Walla Walla.
The Columbia REA-sponsored Touchstone Energy balloon will be available for flight that morning, Cummins said. The flight will only occur weather permitting.
When purchasing a ticket, the buyer can indicate one rider for a $10 donation or two riders for a $20 donation. Ticket sales are cash only.
The drawing will be just before Nite-Glow starts the evening of May 10 at Howard-Tietan Park, 616 E. Tietan St.
For safety, each passenger must meet the minimum physical requirement, be 18 years or older and sign the required Stampede Flight Liability Waiver.
Tickets outlets are Book & Game Co., 238 E. Main St.; Sugar Shack, 353 E. Main St., Athena; Jerry or Lynn Cummins, wwballoon@gmail.com; or on May 9 and 10 at the stampede launch field in Howard-Tietan Park.
If winners of either of the two tickets drawn are not present at the Nite-Glow, they will immediately be notified by telephone that evening so they can be at the launch field and ready to board their balloon at 5:30 a.m. May 11.
