2025 Night of Giving
STATESVILLE, N.C. — The spirit of giving continues to soar beyond festival weekend for the Carolina BalloonFest.
On Tuesday evening, National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the annual Carolina BalloonFest, celebrated its annual Night of Giving by awarding $125,000 to local nonprofits, community organizations, scholarships, and youth programs throughout Iredell County and the surrounding region.
The annual event highlights one of the Carolina BalloonFest's greatest impacts—giving back to the community that has supported the festival for more than five decades. Since its founding, proceeds from the Carolina BalloonFest have helped strengthen local organizations that improve the quality of life for residents across the region.
As part of this year's celebration, attendees also reflected on the success of the festival's 50th Anniversary, recognizing the volunteers, partners, sponsors, and community members who helped make the milestone year a memorable one.
Incoming Board Chair Pressly Maddox recognized the more than 1,000 volunteers who dedicate their time each year to bringing the three-day event to life.
"The Carolina BalloonFest simply wouldn't happen without our volunteers," said Maddox. "Their passion, commitment, and countless hours of service are what make this event possible year after year."
Executive Director Sam Parks summed up the landmark anniversary with a simple reflection:
"Man! What a year! It was great."
Several longtime supporters and individuals who have played an important role in the festival's history were also recognized during the evening, including Bill Meadows, one of the founders of the Carolina BalloonFest, who received a standing ovation for his decades of dedication and leadership.
The grants awarded during the Night of Giving will support a wide variety of community initiatives, including youth leadership and education, scholarships, veterans services, arts and culture, animal welfare, health services, food assistance, child advocacy, and community outreach.
2025 Night of Giving Grant Recipients
National Balloon Rally Charities proudly awarded funding to the following organizations:
Adult Day Services
Balloon Federation of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Iredell County
BSA Troops 1314, 166, 314, 363, 377, 607, 609, and 1373
Campbell Masonic Lodge
Carolina Balloon Museum
Civil Air Patrol
Crossroads Arts & Science Early College
Crosby Scholars
Fifth Street Ministries
Ford Family
Gordon Hospice House
Guardians of the Children
Iredell County Special Olympics
Mitchell Community College Endowment
Mitchell Community College Beverly Hedrick Scholarship
Ostwalt Baptist Church
Piedmont Animal Rescue
Piedmont Folkways
Piedmont Veterans Assistance Council
Purple Heart Homes
Rainbow Kidz
Restoration Road Ministry
Rotary Club of Statesville
Sassy Caps
Statesville Kiwanis Club
United Way of Iredell
Yokefellow Ministry
More Than a Festival
While thousands of visitors attend the Carolina BalloonFest each October for spectacular hot air balloons, live entertainment, family activities, and community celebration, the festival's impact extends far beyond the event itself.
Through National Balloon Rally Charities, proceeds from the festival are donated to local organizations that strengthen the community year-round. Every ticket purchased, volunteer hour given, sponsorship secured, and festival experience enjoyed helps support programs that make a lasting difference across the region.
As the Carolina BalloonFest looks ahead to another unforgettable festival in October 2026, the organization remains committed to its mission of celebrating community while giving back to the place it proudly calls home.