Donate to Haiti, get a ride in a hot air balloon

Two teenage sisters from Lakeland with a personal connection to Haiti are launching a unique fundraiser. They're swapping hot air balloon rides for donations.

Last summer, Allison and Violet Jacobs were in Haiti building an orphanage. Construction on the building was still underway when the devastating earth hit.

Violet Jacobs said, "As soon as I heard they were without food and they couldn't find everyone that was with their organization, I don't know, I just seemed like they needed help."

Violet and Allison asked for help from their father Steve Jacobs who owns a hot air balloon business.

Steve is donating 100 balloon rides.

The girls also asked local restaurants to chip in hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards. And they did.

"A hundred percent of those proceeds are going to go directly to building an orphanage in Haiti and providing critical medical," said Dave Jarvis from the Afton House Inn.

Helping orphans is a mission close to the girls' hearts. Both were adopted.

Allison Jacobs said, "I was adopted six years ago and noticed a little bit of what these children are going through without a family--the hurt and pain behind it."

Allison and Violet hope to raise $50,000 in 50 days.

Dad Steve couldn't be more proud.

He said, "We aren't wealthy people. Our kids know better than to ask for $50 shoes. We go to the thrift store. But, our girls know enough to ask for $50,000 for an orphanage."