"Yoni and his father flew in to attend the last two days of the conference, and were surprised to spy a group of chareidi-looking women among the attendees. As it turns out, there are quite a few frum women in the balloon business (they even have their own WhatsApp chat with over 20 participants).
Mishpacha spoke to one of them, Debby Levi from Passaic, who together with her niece by marriage, Judy (Yehudis) Levi, runs Inflated Creations. She jokes that their colleagues at conferences call them “the ladies who eat from tinfoil,” referring to their packaged kosher meals. Debby, who has been in the business for 33 years and does balloons for events like Bike4Chai and the Yeshiva University graduation, happily joined Kobi’s teams, working on several different exhibits.
“In all my years in the business, I’ve never worked that hard,” she told Mishpacha. “We’d begin at 9 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. But the results are exceptional.”
Debby, who has a special needs son, appreciates that the Eiziks gave away many free tickets to special needs visitors. But Kobi puts in that this is nothing new.
“The Eiziks are very special people,” he says. “In Israel, they also give free admission to evacuees, the disabled, and children with special needs"
Inflated Creations Builds Balloon Art
(Courtesy of Inflated Creations) Prepare to be amazed as the Park Avenue Armory transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland with the world record-breaking Balloon Story exhibition. This fully immersive and interactive experience, suitable for all ages, is set to captivate New York City until August 24.
Debby and Judy Levi of Inflated Creations participated in this incredible exhibition and were just two of only 100 of the world’s top balloon artists carefully selected to participate in this epic build, created and led by a team from Israel.
Balloon Story boasts an astonishing display of over 600,000 latex balloons, making it the largest balloon exhibition ever created. Crafted by a talented team of over 100 of the world’s finest balloon artists, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable journey through a playful dreamland of epic proportions.
Visitors will be greeted by larger-than-life balloon sculptures and innovative interactive exhibits that spark joy and wonder. Each corner of the iconic Armory building has been meticulously designed to create a magical atmosphere, where every balloon tells a story and every moment is filled with delight.
“Balloon Story is more than just an exhibition; it’s an experience that transcends age and brings families together,” said Debby. “We are thrilled to set a new world record and offer a sustainable, eco-friendly art installation that highlights the creativity and dedication of balloon artists from around the globe.”
The event is taking place at Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue in New York, through August 24. Tickets are available now at balloonstory.com/new-york/ For more information contact Debby at 973-458-1606.
Step into a world of wonder at Balloon Story and discover the magic today!
Step Into a Balloon World
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.
Six Tips for a Balloon Care Brainiac
We want you to enjoy your balloons as long as possible, so here are some smart care tips on how to keep them fresh:
Keep balloons weighted down to prevent getting caught in a tree or power line.
Latex balloons don't like intense heat and direct sunlight, so when possible, keep them indoors.
Metallic foil balloons conduct electricity. Keep them anchored down and away from power sources.
When they deflate, discard them properly. Important! ALWAYS keep deflated or popped balloons away from children to avoid risks of choking. Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; adults should always supervise young children—especially those under eight years old—with balloons.
Despite the funny voice helium can give you, it should never be inhaled.
Never release balloons into the air.
Now that you know the basics, enjoy your beautiful balloons! And remember, follow The Balloon Council Motto: “Don’t let go. Inflate. Weight. Enjoy!”
Daughters of Miriam Residents Celebrate Purim with Balloon Buddies
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.
