The Yellow
Balloon Project
P
Raising recovery for all to see.
Every fall Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the quad at the University of Alabama becomes a tailgating mecca. Under the shade of crimson tents and magnolia trees, thousands gather to cheer on the Tide. Tucked among them is one tent hosted by the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), a group of sober students and faculty who promote recovery and the joy that comes with it. From their tent flies a yellow balloon—a practice inspired by a group of sober Grateful Dead fans in the 1980s who used the same symbol to mark a safe space in the crowd. Today, the yellow balloon has become more than just a sign of recovery; it’s a signal to anyone sober that they are not alone.
Hidden in Plain Sight
In keeping with the message behind the yellow balloon, the CRC has partnered with The Shirt Shop to raise awareness for recovery in a way that’s visible, tangible, and rooted in Tuscaloosa tradition. Together, we’re releasing a series of patch designs in September—National Recovery Month—to be embroidered on shirts, polos, hats, and other gameday gear. Proceeds from each patch go directly to the CRC’s events fund, supporting tailgates, family dinners, and other community gatherings. At its core, this initiative celebrates one of the CRC’s most powerful purposes: giving students in recovery a chance to belong, connect, and have fun—together.
Tying It All Together
Each patch design reflects the bond between recovery, community, and the joy that comes with both. With every purchase, another person gets stitched into the mission—one thread at a time.
Sewn-in Solidarity
From campus walls to social feeds, these ads, posts, and signage are designed to raise awareness, build community, drive patch sales, and invite more students into the joy of recovery. We’re making noise without making a scene; for, you know, anonymity’s sake.
The Lift-Off
The Yellow Balloon Project started in Tuscaloosa, but has the potential to carry over to universities around the country. Currently, there are 184 other higher-education institutions with collegiate recovery programs. These programs have helped thousands of students get sober, stay sober, and build connections that last a lifetime.
