(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lori Coryell for the information in this story.)
If you were one of the millions who watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, perhaps you – like me– were enchanted by Rotary International’s float submission.
The theme of the annual parade was “Making a Difference” and was inspired by people who quietly act in ways to benefit others. Rotary International’s float was a whimsical interpretation of the theme, entitled “Planting the Seeds of Service” and featured a charming rabbit farmer gazing at a peach tree.
The Rotarian rabbit served as a symbol of Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” and its role in caring for those in need around the world. To underscore its theme, the float featured a sapling from one of Hiroshima’s A-Bomb survivor trees.
Constructed by Phoenix Decorating Company and financed by contributions from Rotarians, Rotary districts, and clubs around the country and Canada, the float received the Princess Award for Most Outstanding Floral Presentation among entries 35 Feet and Under in Length.
Congratulations to our fellow Rotarians for celebrating our humanitarian projects and role as stewards of our planet and its people in an artistic and captivating way.
Want to learn more about the Rotary Rose Parade float? Visit www.rotaryfloat.org, and for more information on the Chelsea Rotary Club, please visit www.rotarychelsea.org.
