First published in the Oct. 15 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
New Year’s Day is expected to be extra special for three lucky winners taking part in this year’s Ultimate Tournament of Roses Experience drawing, which helps fund South Pasadena’s float in the annual Rose Parade.
The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee (SPTOR) is selling raffle tickets to help fund its 2022 entry that will roll down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
Four Rose Bowl Game seats between the 40- and 50-yard lines is the top prize, while the second-place winner receives four VIP seats in the reviewing section for the Rose Parade and third place takes home $300 in cash.
Alan Vlacich, an official with the committee, is orchestrating the fundraiser for the SPTOR.
“It’s all to help our committee raise funds for our city float in the Rose Parade,” he said. “It’s one of a number of fundraisers we hold throughout the year to generate enough funds to pay for costs associated with our entry.”
Vlacich says it costs about $100,000, including steel, flowers and other materials, to create the city’s floral masterpiece each year. The float is constructed entirely by volunteers.
Two hundred tickets selling for $100 apiece are up for grabs in the drawing with the idea of raising $20,000 for the city’s float in the parade.
Vlacich, who hopes he and his committee members can sell all 200 tickets, also serves as co-chair of the SPTOR’s golf tournament along with John Vandercook. In addition, Vlacich is the nominating chair for the committee’s incoming board members.
To purchase a raffle ticket, call Vlacich at (626) 233-5570.
