Hope Heroes Balloon Dogs in Wes Point Park
Downtown Willoughby is getting a dose of color, creativity, and compassion with the arrival of the Hope Heroes balloon dog installation at Wes Point Park from May 23 through June 2.
The playful, larger-than-life balloon dogs are part of a campaign led by students in the Excel TECC Marketing/Junior Achievement program at Beachwood High School. These high school students, representing 10 area schools, are using their creativity and business skills to support critically ill children and their caregivers through the power of therapy and facility dogs.
The Hope Heroes initiative follows the success of last year’s Hope Heals campaign, which distributed over 2,000 Medi Teddys—IV bag covers shaped like teddy bears—to pediatric hospital rooms. This year, the students are looking to make an even bigger difference through Hope Heroes, a campaign aimed at unleashing the healing power of dogs by adding additional facility dogs at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from the campaign will also enhance the volunteer therapy dog programs at Akron Children’s and MetroHealth. Students are raising funds through sponsorship packages, balloon-themed merchandise and donations.
World-renowned artist Josh Mayhem designed the campaign’s mascot—the “Blown Away Balloon Dog”—which appears on all merchandise and promotional materials. The four giant inflatable dogs and a doghouse make up the display – delighting visitors and raising awareness wherever they go.
For Jaiden Kramer, a senior at Eastlake North High School and part of the Hope Heroes production team, bringing the display to Willoughby is especially meaningful. “I am excited to bring this joy and awareness to a community that is close to me,” said Kramer.
Visitors to Wes Point Park are encouraged to snap a photo with the balloon dogs and learn more about how these young leaders are creating lasting impact through kindness, creativity, and the healing power of dogs.
To learn more or support the campaign, visit Hope Heroes.