Step Into a Balloon World

Featured in the Jewish Link of New Jersey...

Two local balloon artists had a chance to participate in the Big Balloon Build in Kansas City MO this past December. This was only the second time this international event took place in the US. Debby Levi and Judy Levi of Inflated Creations, a local balloon décor company based in Passaic, were honored to be among the approximately 70 balloon artists who joined together to create a balloon fantasy world. The dual goal was to raise money for Operation Breakthrough, which provides a safe, loving, and educational environment for children living in poverty, and to have a chance to build balloon sculptures on a totally different scale than your typical Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

The meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into transforming a community center into “The Journey to Toy Town” made the four-day build fly by in a creative flurry. The oversized popcorn box, ginormous cherry pie, and the box of crayons, as well as the shops, train, Town Square, characters, and much more, were created using framing, latex, talent, skill, and lots of love. Debby and Judy Levi are looking forward to turning your event into something memorable as well. They can be reached at www.inflatedcreations.com/contact.

Participants at the Big Balloon Build were honored to be among the approximately 70 fellow balloon artists who joined together to create a balloon fantasy world at this international event’s second round in the US. The worthy goal of raising funds for Operation Breakthrough reinforced the camaraderie among the participants.

Viewers were fascinated by the meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into transforming a community center into “The Journey to Toy Town.”

The oversized popcorn box, ginormous cherry pie, and the box of crayons, as well as the shops, train, Town Square, characters, and much more, were created in just over four days using framing, latex, talent, skill, and lots of love.

Two favorite characters were Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. The detailing was phenomenal, and the balloon versions brought back fond childhood memories for many.

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Daughters of Miriam Residents Celebrate Purim with Balloon Buddies

Featured in the Jewish Link of New Jersey...

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Lucky seniors at Daughters of Miriam Center were gifted cheery Balloon Buddies on February 10 as part of the “Smiles for Seniors” campaign by Inflated Creations of Passaic. Since social distancing and restricted visitation are still in effect at the Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home residents have been at risk for depression due to their feelings of isolation. Community organizations and individuals have sprung into action to help these secluded seniors connect with the outside world and send messages of care.

When New Jersey virtually shut down in early March 2020 due to the State of Emergency decree by Governor Murphy, local community members stepped up to show the nursing home residents and frontline healthcare workers at the Center that they were not alone in this crisis. Card-writing campaigns were begun in schools and by individuals who sent or brought handwritten cards for all of the residents. Gifts of food, flowering plants, and much-needed items such as bottles of hand sanitizers, face masks, and hospital gowns were delivered to the Center by local restaurants, families, school groups, and even representatives of a local children’s soccer team.

Similarly, Balloon Buddies is part of a national “adopt a grandparent” campaign that balloon artists around the country started so lonely seniors knew they were in everyone’s minds and hearts. These two-foot high balloon sculptures were donated by Debby Levi, co-owner of Passaic balloon décor company Inflated Creations, and distributed by the Center’s Activities staff to over two dozen residents whose rooms were brightened up by the table-top balloon creations.

The “Smiles for Seniors” campaign by Inflated Creations aims to put a Balloon Buddy in every Daughters of Miriam Center’s room. With the campaign begun only a few weeks ago, less than a quarter of the 154 residents were gifted balloons; however, the hope is that sponsorships will continue to come in from the community so that all of the Center’s seniors would benefit from this outpouring of love and care.

“We wanted to do something tangible for the residents at the Center because we know how isolated they must be feeling after all of these months,” said Levi. “Daughters of Miriam Center cares for the seniors from our local area. so we are really happy that we could do something positive for them.” Balloon Buddy sponsorship information can be found on their website at www.inflatedcreations.com.

Debby Levi and Judy Levi began decorating parties 30 years ago, starting their business as two mothers of small children and eventually expanding their services throughout the tri-state area. Both are Certified Balloon Artists who specialize in decorating for private parties as well as large corporate events.

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Jewish Journeys Hosts Inspirational 'Great Big Challah Bake'

Featured in the Jewish Link of New Jersey...

...From expert challah bakers to first timers, everyone was inspired to participate as they arrived at their designated table and were greeted by a table coach who explained how the evening would work. Each guest was given a bowl filled with ingredients, an apron and necessary supplies to make and take their challah home. Tables were adorned with colorful balloon centerpieces donated by Inflated Creations.

ComedyCures founder and Jewish Journeys alum Saranne Rothberg emceed the event and quickly managed to quiet the crowd of over 800 women with her signature belly laugh. Jordana Baruchov, dean of sixth grade at Yavneh Academy, demonstrated each step of the challah-preparation process, likening each ingredient used to create the dough to a profound spiritual meaning. As the challah took time to rise, participants were entertained by DJ Shimmy and IMOVEWITHNAZ. From grandmothers to small children, the ruach was contagious, and within minutes everyone was on the dance floor...

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