The motto for the 2014-15 Rotary Year is “Light Up Rotary.” That is a reference to the global effort to raise public awareness of Rotary and its many services.
In addition to whatever we can do on a daily basis locally, Rotarians from the U.S. and Canada have for decades supported a Rotary float in the iconic Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, CA.
This coming January 1, we will have a Rose Parade float for the 36th consecutive year. The theme this time around will be “Changing Lives Through Clean Water.” The design as shown above gives you an idea of what you’ll be seeing. You can get more details on the project website and on its Facebook page.
‘There are many messages competing for attention today — more than ever before. Too many … It’s no longer enough to passively assume people will notice our good works on their own. Sure, some will, but many won’t. We need to get their attention first.’
Daniel Thomas
Float Committee chair
The float typically receives 60 to 90 seconds of TV coverage to a viewing audience of millions. Commentators work from a fact sheet prepared with the support of the RI Public Relations Department describing the good work Rotary performs in local communities in the U.S. and around the world.
While the hands-on work to create a float is done by volunteers, it takes money to purchase machinery and materials to create such a work of art that will help focus public attention on Rotary.
This promotion receives no financial support from Rotary International; it is funded entirely by Rotarians and friends of Rotarians.
You can help make it a reality once more by making a contribution in any amount. Simply make your check payable to “Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee” and mail it to the committee at P.O. Box 92502, Pasadena, CA 91109-2502. Or, you can donate via credit card by going online here.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 