Tag Archives: Rose Parade

Local Families Help Donate Life At The Rose Parade

Staff Reports

Donate Life california

Image Courtesy: DonateLifeCalifornia.org

San Gabriel Valley – Local families are paying tribute to loved ones by sharing their gift-of-life legacies in the upcoming Rose Parade, in the form of “Floragraphs” on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float.According to Donate Life California, more than 70 organizations will join together to help inspire people to become organ, eye and tissue donors in an effort to save the lives by creating awareness at the Rose Parade. 2015 will signify the 12th year that Donate Life California has participated in one of the world’s most visible campaigns available.

Covina’s Jesus “Jesse” Cruz lost his life at just 20 years of age. In September 2010, at a Rio Hondo College wrestling meet, the athlete and star student collapsed during one of his matches, and was unable to be resuscitated. A few years previous, Jesse told his family he wanted to become a donor if anything should happen to him; a fortuitous decision for others.

Diamond Bar’s Lo family will honor 78-year old donor, Sandy Lo, who not only lived a life of grace and giving to others, but saved the lives of five others through her donations. Lo was an immigrant from Taiwan who worked her way up in the clothing industry. She continued to volunteer in her community long after retirement; including cooking meals for Hurricane Sandy victims in a tireless effort that family reportedly says was just part of her everyday demeanor. Lo passed away in February 2013 from a stroke.

Glendora’s 48-year old Joseph “Jody” Culver, who in October 2008 suffered a fatal heart attack, has benefitted more than 95 individuals with cornea, tissue and bone transplants from his gifts. His memory has been greatly enhanced through his donor wishes. Culver’s January 1st birthday will also be remembered at the Rose Parade.

For the families of these individuals, there is a certain solace associated with the gifts of life that have occurred because of these acts of generosity. Knowing that your loved one lives on through others, and has created so many possibilities in those lives brings about bittersweet consolation.

“The Never-Ending Story” is the title of the Donate Life Rose Parade float, and it features “beautiful butterflies emerging from storybooks to symbolize the enduring power of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. The butterflies ascend above 72 volumes adorned with Floragraph portraits – all created with organic materials – of deceased donors whose legacies are nurtured by their loved ones.”

Donate Life California says that 12 living organ donors whose stories have become intertwined with those of their recipients will be walking alongside the float this year. In addition, 30 riders representing transplant recipients who celebrate the new chapters of their lives made possible through the generosity of donors will be seated among thousands of dedicated roses onboard.

The 126th Tournament of Roses Parade begins on New Year’s Day 2015 at 8 a.m. and features floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units that all travel the more than five miles down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. The Rose Parade is presented by Honda, and is seen by millions of people worldwide each year.

For more information about the parade, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. For more information about the Donate Life Rose Parade Float and organ donation, visit www.donatelifecalifornia.org.

 

 

Pomona: Local Students To March In Rose Parade

By Juliette Funes

 

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Diamond Ranch High School students Jasmine Villatoro (flag), left, Ismael Rodriguez (tuba), Nicole Hernandez (banner) and Alissa Rodriguez (banner), were selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Pomona – 11 marching band and color guard members from the Pomona Unified School District won coveted spots in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band and will make their debut at the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena.            The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band – which has marched in every Tournament of Roses Parade since 1930 – chose for its 2015 band seven students from Garey High School and four from Diamond Ranch High School. From Garey, they are Miguel Saldana, Armando Santana, Angelica Arechiga, Christopher Chavez, Isabel Ibarra, Mireya Munguia and Jose “JJ” Cachu. From Diamond Ranch, they are Ismael Rodriguez, Alissa Rodriguez, Nicole Hernandez and Jasmine Villatoro.

“It is a great honor and privilege for these immensely gifted students to be given the opportunity to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade, where they will showcase their talents to millions of viewers from around the globe,” said Board of Education Member, Dr. Roberta A. Perlman.

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Garey High School students Miguel Saldana (snare drum), left, Armando Santana (tenor sax), Angelica Arechiga (banner), Christopher Chavez (trombone), Isabel Ibarra (banner), Mireya Munguia (clarinet) and Jose “JJ” Cachu (herald trumpet) were selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Students from throughout the southland auditioned on Oct. 12 at Pasadena City College for a chance to perform in the band, comprised of exceptional high school musicians from throughout Southern California. Of those who auditioned, only 232 were selected, marking an impressive showing for Pomona Unified.

“It was an intense audition process for these students, who were scored on their technical ability, timing and sound,” said Garey High School Band Director Robert Lawe. “Now, they have one of the largest forums in the world to demonstrate their creative skills.”

“It’s an exciting feat to have so many of our students chosen to perform at the Rose Parade, and I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments,” added Philip Ruiz, Band Director at Diamond Ranch High School.

Members will practice every Sunday in November and December and almost every day during winter break to prepare for the trek. The Tournament of Roses Parade is seen by hundreds of thousands of people along the parade route in Pasadena and is broadcast to 200 territories and countries world-wide.

“I want to congratulate these students, along with the band directors at Garey and Diamond Ranch high schools, for earning the opportunity to perform in the world-famous Rose Parade and shining a light on the successful visual and performing arts programs at Pomona Unified,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “They are an inspiration, and I can’t wait to cheer on these standout students as they walk the six-mile parade route down Colorado Boulevard.”