|
|
The Guide |
Photos |
Videos |
Columns |
Calendar
|
|
As most of you are aware, last year enroute to teach at Balloon Camp, Dottie Blanchard and Judy Gorman were in a terrible accident and our friend and colleague Dottie Blanchard was killed. The industry mourned the loss of one of our greats. Our world was a better place and my life is truly enriched having known Dottie Blanchard.
This year at Balloon Camp, I was given the revered honor of team teaching with Debbie Reichert and Jill Pracopck to pay tribute to two of the premier Balloon Instructors in our Business. Those premier instructors being of course the fantastic and unique team of Dottie Blanchard and Judy Gorman.
You know as it goes down in Hollywood the truly greats are called only by there first names. I am sure you can recall those names, Madonna, Prince, Cher, Elvis, and Rocky. Same goes for our industry, the Balloon Greats, are simply known as "Dottie and Judy". No one ever really knew there last names and if they did remember their last names they could never put the right one with the right lady.
An electrifying partnership, Dottie and Judy were life long friends and business associates. Working together for many years, they were involved with many great companies. Balloons or Bust in Ada Michigan was called their home. Over the years together they made memories for many of their clients. Combining Dotties floral flare and Judys' true grit Balloon expertise, they were the answer to many a clients prayer. For many years, they were the creative minds behind Balloon Supply of America. They traveled extensively teaching and doing training seminars. I could never wait to see what design would appear in Balloons Supply of Americas advertisements. Dottie and Judy designed and produced all of these ads.
Best remembered were their Cloud Nine balloon decor. Dottie and Judy developed and created many inspiring decorative techniques that were shared with balloon professional around the world. They worked for Balloons Today Magazine as one of their many staff designers. I personally shared a condo and weeks of designing to produce a complete calendar of designs to be published each year.
Dottie and Judy won many awards in the Balloon Industry. One being: The National Association of Balloon Artist distinguished award.
Their work appeared several months on the cover of Balloons Today Magazine. Their latest work was with Betallic Balloon Company. They worked closely with Betallic and developed many great designs using the new Link-o-loon balloon.
Mary Ann Amick has this to offer about Dottie and Judy.
"Judy and Dottie began working with the Betallic team at the introduction of LINK-O-LOON and Betallatex in 1999. They were an enormous asset and inspiration to the development of the program and products. Their creativity and attention to detail were significant. They speared-headed several training venues inspiring young and old balloon professionals from coast to coast. We were always able to rely on them to train at an event. All we would hear after the event is how wonderful they taught and how patient they were, making sure everyone confidently left without questions. It goes without saying that this true "A" team was loved by all those within the industry, including the Betallic team."
Dottie and Judy brought to this industry a unique combination of elegance, humor, style, and grace. Teaching seminars for many years, their fresh approach to design and creativity inspired attendees and fellow balloon artist to pursue their dreams. Their endless supply of advice encouraged new comers as well as seasoned business owners to continue their pursuit to prosper in this business. I stand in awesome wonder of their diverse accomplishment and many gift they offered this industry. It is with great love and respect I share with you this tribute to the best.......Dottie and Judy.
