Eight balloons drifted to Canada from Huskie Stadium, the launching pad for Sigma Sigma Sigma’s Balloon Ascension Contest.

More than 1,000 balloons were released by about 35 Tri-Sig women for their national philanthropy project during the National Anthem at this year’s Homecoming football game Oct. 10.

Proceeds, totaling about $880, from balloons sold were donated to the Robbie Page Memorial Fund and distributed to hospitals including the North Carolina Memorial Hospital at Chapel Hill and the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Tri-Sig’s Philanthropy Chairwoman Nancy Vaira said.

Those who bought the balloons were eligible for prizes according to which balloons traveled the farthest. Winners were determined by a nametag attached to the balloon.

The person who found the balloon which traveled the farthest, 10-year-old Glen Hawko of Newfoundland, Canada, won $25 for returning his tag, Vaira said.

The sorority received more than 25 letters with returned tags, eight of which came from Canada, Vaira said.

Jennifer Thompson, 10, found a balloon and wrote to the Tri-Sigs, “I live on a farm in Canada about 150 miles east of Toronto. (I) hope this makes your kids in the hospital smile.”

First- through fifth-place winners, those whose names were on the five farthest traveling balloons, and their prizes, include:

John Warrons – 1st place – month membership to Nautilus Fitness Center, 926 W. Lincoln Hwy.

Jeff Cufaude – 2nd place – five free tanning sessions at Bahama Bronze Tanning Spa.

Tricia Adamson – 3rd place – $20 gift certificate to Sports of All Sorts, 811 W. Lincoln Hwy.

Barb Kett – 4th place – $15 gift certificate to Crystal Pistol, 1312 W. Lincoln Hwy.

Catheryn Adolf – 5th place – two free pizzas from Domino’s Pizza, 1015 W. Hillcrest.