Balloon Boy Parents Auction Off Balloon, Will Donate Money To Japan

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- A silver, UFO-like helium balloon that gripped the country's attention when a couple said their son had floated away in it is back in Colorado after an online auction.

An attorney for Richard and Mayumi Heene (HEE'-nee) told the Coloradoan in Fort Collins Thursday that an Aurora man paid $2,502 earlier this month for the balloon. Perry Rausher says the man didn't want his name released because he plans a news conference.

Rausher says he deducted $60 from the sale for fees and the rest will go to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief.

The Heenes, who moved to Florida from Colorado after the incident, were charged when it was discovered their 6-year-old son was never on the balloon. They had to pay $36,000 in restitution to authorities who responded to the 2009 incident.

Comments

[No Longer Amused 25]

10:35 PM on 07/15/2011

After reading this I got a case of the creepy HEE'-nees.

[DamonIcke]

07:11 PM on 07/15/2011

A key item in anyone looking to open a History of American D-Baggery Museum or Idiot Hall of Fame? Otherwise, it's useless garbage.

[Carol Kasun Dixson]

04:48 PM on 07/15/2011

I wonder, have they gotten jobs yet or are they still looking for an easy buck?

[Air Vice Marshal Park]

04:20 PM on 07/15/2011

Does it come with a kid in it? Not worth much, otherwise.

[Mrs BAW]

01:32 PM on 07/15/2011

How would someone trust that they would actually give the money to charity after the stunt they pulled? Really?

[MichaelAKD]

12:44 PM on 07/15/2011

Why does AP lead the story with Fort Collins as location for either them or heenes when they haven't a single employees(AP) or contract employee here and the Heenes moved from the area more the a year ago???????????? i know it is pet peeve of sorts and the story does eventually mention they live in florida now but still every news service in the world will pick up this story as is and readers will continue to think, ahh colorado home of the crazies. we already have enough links to the tea party types and the zealots down in the springs, we don't need any help from the continued link to heene family where ever they may move in the world. no big deal, have a good weekend all and watch out for UFH, that is unidentified flying Heenes, kidding.

[shespeaks]

12:23 PM on 07/15/2011

And.....still looking for attention.

[KIVPossum]

12:20 PM on 07/15/2011

That money should go to the people that wasted time and taxpayer $ hunting the kid

[satanlite]

11:38 AM on 07/15/2011

What's wrong with donating money to help poor and homeless in the USA? Just not chic enough?

[Lerma Nation]

12:06 PM on 07/15/2011

what does it matter where they donate? why do you have to take sides? Its their money they can do whatever. Stop complaining and live life

[garystartswithg]

12:19 PM on 07/15/2011

its a lot harder as there is no general fund for the poor and homeless in the USA. People often forget the usa is supposed to tax and spend part of that to "provide for ourselves and our posterity" and "promote the general welfare" and all that other liberal stuff that isn't in the neo-con constitution.

[Scoville Scale]

11:30 AM on 07/15/2011

Thanks a lot, HP!
I had managed to forget these jerks!

[mamiller517]

10:10 AM on 07/15/2011

Like I believe that. What 90% for them 10% for Japan.

[Mary Mclocke]

10:17 AM on 07/15/2011

mamiller --- Their lawyer got his cut - $60. So maybe because of that lawyer, it just may get there?

[aquiestoy500]

09:29 AM on 07/15/2011

Unbelievable. These parents still want to be in the news.

[satanlite]

11:38 AM on 07/15/2011

They've got Palin-itis.

[Wisprof]

09:18 AM on 07/15/2011

Totally useless people. I wonder if they're still dreaming of being in a reality show.