Charities Take Flight

Charities Take Flight (NAPSA)—Americans gave more than 260 billion dollars to their favorite causes in one year alone, according to a report by the American Association of Fundraising Counsel—and things continue to look up. One reason is that churches, schools and charities have found ways to give back to people who give. For instance, a number of not-for-profit groups hold charitable silent auctions. Money raised goes to help a cause, and donors receive items ranging from art to nights on the town. The Sky’s The Limit—Thousands of charities are auctioning off hot air balloon rides to donors. Some groups even offer hot air balloon rides. Those charities partner with an organization called FundraisingRides.org, a group that provides not-for-profits with hot air ballon rides for live and silent auctions and raffles. Theride takes about an hour and is followed by a champagne toast—an old European tradition. The balloons take off from any of Soaring Adventures of America’s 150 certified ballooning locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.FundraisingRides.org.