Did you see the 100,000 balloons drop on DNC in Chicago? South Bend artist had a role.

South Bend business owner Jennifer Nyikos of Fun By The Yard played a role in the 100,000 balloons that descended on the Democratic National Convention at its conclusion Thursday night in Chicago .

She was among 55 balloon artists from across the U.S. who created the spectacle inside of the United Center in red, white and blue. But Nyikos says one of her driving forces in the stunt was to support her Chicago friend, Tommy Delorenzo, of Balloons by Tommy , as he battles cancer. Together, the artists formed what they called the Volunteer Balloons by Tommy DNC Balloon Crew.

USA Today photos: Best scenes from Day 4 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention

"The balloon industry is like a family, and when one of us is in need, we all come together,” Nyikos said. “Being here in Chicago, contributing to something so special, and supporting Tommy during this challenging time is an honor. It’s not about politics, it’s about coming together.”

She said 90% of her business is balloons , and the rest is decorating for large-scale events.

At 100,000 balloons, the DNC balloon drop wasn't the first or even the biggest balloon event Nyikos has participated in this year. In April, she organized a massive balloon build with more than 125,000 balloons in Elkhart that benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana .

As breathtaking as the balloon drop was, Nyikos said, the artists didn’t have to blow up each balloon — machines did that — but they did have to tie each one. And yes, her fingers are a bit tired.

She watched the balloon drop on TV from her South Bend home. The convention apparently had its limits on the number of attendees.

“It was amazing,” she said Friday. “You worry. Is there going to be a hitch? But it all came off as planned.”

South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com .

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Did you see the 100,000 balloons drop on DNC in Chicago? South Bend artist had a role.