Individual | Inducted 2025 | Posthumous Induction
Tommy DeLorenzo was the cofounder – with his husband, Drew Scott DeLorenzo – of Balloons by Tommy, LLC, which for more than 25 years has been a vibrant and creative force in Chicago, bringing joy, color, and artistry to countless events throughout the city and beyond. The company is known not just for its breathtaking balloon creations but for the heart, inclusivity, and community spirit behind every project. One of Balloons by Tommy’s most beloved contributions has been its participation in the Chicago Pride Parade for over a decade. Each year, Tommy and Drew Scott DeLorenzo led their team in designing and building a new, awe-inspiring theme that celebrated the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, diversity, and pride, creating iconic visual moments for paradegoers and participants alike.
DeLorenzo, who passed away in 2024, had an exceptional gift for creating connection and excitement, whether transforming a venue for a local LGBTQ+ event or energizing a night at one of Chicago’s bars. His work often extended to donating time, talent, and resources to community events, ensuring that spaces for celebration and solidarity could thrive. Over the years, Balloons by Tommy, LLC supported and enhanced many milestones for the LGBTQ+ community, becoming a trusted partner in moments of joy, remembrance, and unity.
Balloons by Tommy, LLC continues under the leadership of his husband and the team of balloon artists DeLorenzo trained personally, many of whom credit him for shaping not only their craft, but also their confidence and careers. Tommy DeLorenzo’s contributions – as a creative entrepreneur and an active supporter of LGBTQ+ spaces – have left an indelible mark on Chicago’s cultural and social landscape. Through Balloons by Tommy’s ongoing presence, his spirit continues to lift others – quite literally – with every colorful creation.