Float judging was on Thursday afternoon, and that’s also when we found out that Joann would be sitting on the “media side” of the float. It was very moving to see the judges’ reactions as they walked around the float and began to realize the significance of the 76 floragraph portraits honoring donors, the thousands of dedicated roses in the Family Circle Garden on the front of the float, and the 24 float riders representing families from across the country who have been touched by donation and transplantation.
Awards were announced by the Tournament of Roses Parade Committee very early Friday morning just before the parade, and the Donate Life float won the prestigious Theme Trophy for “Excellence in Presenting Parade Theme”. This year’s theme was “A Cut Above the Rest”, and that certainly describes our donors and their families, who have set an outstanding example for all of us through their generosity and compassion for others!
Below are a few photos of Joann, the other float riders and the float taken on parade day.
All 24 float riders just before the parade. Joann is wearing green and is seated on the float, holding pictures of Phil and Chris. Their floragraphs are on the column rising from the center of the float. Chris is in the bottom row, and Phil is directly above Chris.
A view of the entire float during the parade. Joann is the 4th rider from the front. The floragraphs of Phil and Chris can also be seen. Notice the beautiful blue sky - it was perfect parade weather!
Front view of the float, including the Theme Award Banner, during the parade
