Midwest Balloon Rides employees release flames into the balloon, creating hot air in order for the balloon to rise. Photos by Nicole McPheeters

Midwest Balloon Rides employees release flames into the balloon, creating hot air in order for the balloon to rise. Photos by Nicole McPheeters

BY CHRISTINE FERNANDO

Though the hot air balloon never got off ground due to a hole in the fabric, Live A Dream’s Bloomington event still made lift-off August 23.

Live A Dream, touted as a Make A Wish program for senior citizens, allows Trilogy Health Services to fulfill residents’ dreams across its Midwestern senior care facilities. Past events have allowed World War II veterans to visit Washington D.C., Elvis fans to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the King of Rock and Roll’s mansion, and racing enthusiasts to watch the Indy 500 from VIP seats.

This time, seniors enjoyed games, live country music, and hot air balloon-themed refreshments and décor at tables set up outside Hearthstone Health Clinic at 600 N Jordan Ave.

Hot air balloon-themed decor adorned each table outside of the main office of Hearthstone Health Clinic.
Event-goers watch as the hot air balloon is prepped for flight.
Serena Haming “makes dreams come true”, in her role as the Foundaton Specialist for Live A Dream.
Serena Haming “makes dreams come true”, in her role as the Foundaiton Specialist for Live A Dream.
An Owen Valley CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) plays chess with a resident at Trilogy Health’s Live A Dream event.
An Owen Valley CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) plays chess with a resident at Trilogy Health’s Live A Dream event.
Serena Haming speaks to Live A Dream viewers.
Refreshments were served for attendees of Trilogy Health’s Live A Dream event.
Event attendees were able to enjoy live country music.
Both employees and residents of Trilogy Health Services were invited to attend the Live A Dream event, in which hot air balloon rides would be offered.
Both employees and residents of Trilogy Health Services were invited to attend the Live A Dream event, in which hot air balloon rides would be offered.
A Midwest Balloon Rides employee helps prepare the balloon to be filled with air.
While Trilogy Health employees step into the basket for their ride, Midwest Balloon Ride employees stand on the edges to balance the balloon.
Midwest Balloon Rides employees release flames into the balloon, creating hot air in order for the balloon to rise.
Residents are helped back onto their bus, which will carry them home to one of three Trilogy Health retirement homes.