Color the Skies founders host party fundraiser

As the annual Color the Skies balloon and kite fest gets ready to kick off this weekend in Ripon, the founders of the event also are holding a 10th anniversary party and fundraiser Saturday.

The event will be held at 14705 Leroy Ave., Ripon, hosted by Greg and Jessica Coleman. The Colemans originated the hot air balloon festival; the Ripon Chamber Foundation takes over the event this year.

“As founders of Color the Skies, we want to stay involved with the event, and one of those ways is to host the annual party for the pilots, partners, festival team leaders and media partners,” Jessica Coleman said in an email. “This is our own fundraising effort, and all proceeds will benefit Valley Children’s Hospital.”

The public can attend the party, 6 to 11:30 p.m., for $50 each, with tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/color-the-skies-10th-anniversary-party-tickets-17998778832.

The party will have two live music performances, appetizers, an awards presentation, open bar and silent auction.

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Color the Skies founders host party fundraiser."