subject: Balloon San Diego- Phil Mickelson Start Smart Event Balloons [print this page] Balloon Artist San Diego Series- Phil Mickelson Foundation's Start Smart Event
Every year for 6 years running, the Phil Mickelson foundation has taken 1500 kids, from 7 school districts all around San Diego county, on a back-to-school shopping spree at walmart.
Balloon Utopia has had the honor of providing balloons for this annual Start Smart event for the past 5 years.
The kids from participating schools are chosen by their teachers based on both academic performance and financial need.
The idea behind the event is to help get the kids excited about going back toschool and to encourage them to work hard and do their best.
Each child is given a shopping list and a tote bag. They are then directed to
choose a backpack, 4 pairs of pants, skirts, shorts or dresses, 6 shirts or
blouses, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 pkg of socks, 1 pkg of underwear, and 1 jacket.
They are also given a pre-packaged sack of school supplies.
Balloon Utopia provided arrangements that were color-coded for each area to guide the parents and kids to the appropriate areas. The registers that were set aside for the start smart shoppers were highlighted with mini-balloon bouquets.
The kids arrived in school buses and were greeted by giant 9' balloon clown sculptures. Oversized balloon pencil sculptures sporting jumping string of pearl arches showed the kids and their chaperones where to stand as they waited to enter the store.
Inside the store there were roaming characters and clowns.
Phil Mickelson himself stayed in the school supply area, and together with his family handed out school supplies, signed autographs, and took pictures.
The event was incredible. The kids and parents alike were so happy to participate, as were the various schools and teachers.
To see more photos of this amazing event, come visit our website at
