YOU BRING DINNER AND WE’LL PROVIDE THE SHOW
Receive a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty in Exchange for Donated Food at Balloon Fiesta’s Dinner and a Show

Contact: Kathie Leyendecker, Director of Media and Community Relations
(505) 821-1000 or (505) 228-9874

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Sept. 25, 2003—Today the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta announced Dinner and a Show on October 11, 5:00-8:00 p.m., the second Saturday night of this year’s Fiesta. This fun, family-oriented philanthropic event is co-sponsored by Wendy’s and the Albuquerque Roadrunner Food Bank (www.rrfb.org). In exchange for donating non-perishable food, Balloon Fiesta goers will receive a coupon for a Jr. Frosty at local-area Wendy’s restaurants. Balloon Fiesta attendees will then enjoy Night Magic, an exhilarating glow of hot air balloons, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and After Glow, a fabulous fireworks display, at 8:00 p.m.

“ The struggling economy and job layoffs have amplified the problems low-income people were already experiencing so more people are needing assistance from emergency feeding programs,” explained Carolyn White, Roadrunner Food Bank’s director of development. “Balloon Fiesta’s Dinner and a Show will help to stock our warehouse just in time for Thanksgiving.”

The Roadrunner Food Bank fights hunger in New Mexico by distributing over one million pounds of food each month through a statewide network of 602 emergency feeding programs. In addition, Roadrunner Food Bank provides direct service to low-income seniors, American Indian reservations and, through its new Food for Kids emergency food assistance program, to children in low-income public elementary schools.

“ We are so proud to provide a sweet treat to the generous people of Albuquerque,” said Wendy’s Dave Fike. “We are looking forward to a fun, family night out!”

Roadrunner Food Bank encourages the public to give non-perishable foods they themselves would like to eat. Most needed food items include canned meat, flour, canned entrees, peanut butter, canned vegetables, sugar, baby food, boxed meals, canned fruit, pastas, cooking oil, rice, macaroni & cheese, soups and dried pinto beans.

Receive a Wendy’s Jr. Frosty in Exchange for Donated Food at Balloon Fiesta’s Dinner and a Show“Every year, the Balloon Fiesta represents the best of the Albuquerque community’s spirit and imagination,” said Paul Smith, executive director of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “Dinner and a Show will be a wonderful opportunity to combine the merriment of the Balloon Fiesta with the good-work of the community. We are excited to work with Roadrunner Food Bank and Wendy’s on this project.”

Events at the Balloon Fiesta are $5.00 per car, and a $5.00 admission fee for adults. Kids 12 and under admitted free of charge. For a complete 2003 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta schedule of events, visit www.balloonfiesta.com.

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Balloon Fiesta, Roadrunner Food Bank and Wendy’s executives are available for interview.