Every summer Ken Draughn does a fantastic job of coordinating pilots to bring balloons and offer tether rides to the kids attending Camp Victory Junction’s NASCARnival each Tuesday night throughout the summer. Victory Junction is a camp in Randleman, NC, created in memory of Adam Petty, that serves kids and their families that have tackled illnesses in these children’s lives.
Ken just passed on a letter he received from the camp. It says
“For the past while, Victory Junction has wanted to show some appreciation to all of the balloonist that make the NASCARnival a truly magical experience. Some of my fondest moments interacting with campers has been when they have gotten the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon. The smile on their faces speak for themselves, as they slowly float upwards in the sky. The image of the hot air balloon has become a symbol of Victory Junction. One stop into our camp store, or seeing our some of the logos the past 5 years highlights the image of the hot air balloon. It is such a wonderful representation of our campers that when they come to VJ, they are able to soar to new heights.
With that being said, a brick has been placed on our FanWalk in honor of all of the hot air balloonist that give their time and resources to Victory Junction for our special campers. This brick is proudly displayed with hundreds of special bricks that show appreciation and honor that have a special place in our hearts. I have attached a photo in hopes that you will share this with all of the pilots past and present that have been part of this amazing thing we call “camp”.
Words cannot express our gratitude towards you all. Looking forward to another amazing summer.
Thank You
Jacob Byrd
Camp Program Director
Victory Junction”
Many thanks to Ken and the pilots and crew who make this happen every year. We’re proud to be remembered in this way, but I suspect most would say the smiles on the faces of the kids and staff make it all worthwhile and a project with which the Carolinas Balloon Association is proud to be involved.
By the way, this year’s camps start next Tuesday. Smiles ahead.
