No Child Should Go Hungry In The Methow Valley. Let’s Change That Together.

Coming up Sat March 2nd. For over 30 years, the Balloon Glow in downtown Winthrop has been a magical event, filling the Methow Valley night sky with light, color, and wonder. But this year, it’s about more than just balloons—it’s about ensuring no child in this community has to go hungry.

Last week, on February 7th, 2025, a small community just 40 minutes south of Seattle came together for a balloon glow just like this one. That night, we raised $22,000—completely wiping out the school lunch debt for an entire district and creating a fund to support kids who need meals in the future.

Now, it’s our turn to do the same for the kids of the Methow Valley.

The Reality: Food Insecurity in Our Schools

Right now, 40% of students in the Methow Valley qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Many of them rely on school meals as their only meals for the day. But when school is out for the weekend, that support disappears.

That’s where the Friday Food Program, run by The Cove in partnership with the Methow Valley School District, comes in. Every Friday, backpacks filled with food are sent home with students who might otherwise go hungry. It’s simple, but it’s life-changing. The Cove also supports the delinquent school lunch accounts.

A Community That Lifts Each Other Up

We are hot air balloon pilots from across the state. We come to Winthrop for one unforgettable weekend each year, not just to fly—but to lift spirits and lift up the communities we fly over.

This year, we’re partnering with The Cove to raise funds for the Friday Food Program, ensuring every child in this valley has food when they need it most.

This isn’t about charity—it’s about community.

It’s about saying yes to a future where no child in the Methow Valley has to go to bed hungry.

How You Can Help

The Balloon Glow is free—and it always will be. But if this event brings you joy, if seeing these balloons light up the night moves you, we invite you to be part of something bigger.

🌟 Every dollar raised goes directly to The Cove’s Friday Food Program.
🌟 100% of the funds stay in the Methow Valley, feeding local kids in need.
🌟 Your donation provides weekend meals for students who depend on school food.

We fly balloons because it brings people together. It lifts us all.

Let’s rise together for these kids.

📅 Join us at the Balloon Glow on March 1st at sunset (weather permitting).

Donate today and be part of something truly magical.

Because when a community comes together, we all soar.

The Snow and Glow: Making Sure All Kids In The Methow Valley Have Food

By The Hot Air Balloon Community (Washington State)

The Snow and Glow: Making Sure All Kids In The Methow Valley Have Food

The Balloon Community Partners With The Cove. Donate through our balloon glow fundraiser to make sure all kids have food to eat. Even when they are not in school.

Team Members