Browning Balloon Launch Part of Soaring Fundraiser Effort

What’s that speck of orange drifting in the sky? It could be a balloon launched by a Browning Elementary School student as part of a soaring fundraiser effort.

The Sterling Heights school’s PTA -- part of the Utica Community Schools district -- is trying to raise $30,000 to be used toward student learning opportunities. These include supplies, field trips and a facelift for the playground. They’re asking parents to donate -- the goal is $40 per family -- though every child will release a balloon regardless of whether his or her family gives anything. 

As a result Browning’s K-6 students will be setting loose approximately 500 balloons -- one for every child in this Utica Community Schools district facility -- at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

The theme for year six of the launch is “It Takes a Village!” and the balloons will be orange, representing excitement, enthusiasm and creativity, organizers say.

Every child will attach a card to his or her balloon, which includes the student's first name and classroom, plus a request that the finder return the card to Browning. Each card will also have a question connected to building a sense of community and strengthening learning environments. As the cards make their way back to the school, they will be tracked for distance and students will be able to see the map of their balloons’ travels posted in the hallway.