Society
Balloon boy parents auction off UFO-like craft
Updated: 2011-07-15 14:47
(Agencies)
FORT COLLINS, Colorado - A silver, UFO-like helium balloon that gripped Americans' 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 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.
Specials
China-US Governors Forum
The first China-US Governors Forum is held July 15 in the Salt Lake City, the United States.
My China story
Foreign readers are invited to share your China stories.
Economy slows down
A 9.5 percent growth in the second quarter eased concerns over a hard landing.