The all-volunteer South Pasadena Tournament of Roses committee kicks off its fundraising efforts Saturday, May 4, with its first fundraising event of the year, a “Cuatro de Mayo” fiesta.
From 4-10 p.m. at Warren and Joan Binzley’s Toad Hill Hacienda in Glendale’s Chevy Chase Canyon, the event will be featuring performances by mariachis and colorful Folklórico dancers, tapas, tacos and a silent auction.
The party is open to all who want to support the city’s self-built and self-funded Tournament of Roses entry.
One of six self-built floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade, South Pasadena’s 2025 entry is titled, “Seas the Day” to reflect the 2025 overall theme, “Best Day Ever … celebrating life’s special moments.”
“This is the first of many fundraisers we’ll hold this year to reach our goal of $150,000 to build and decorate the float,” said Ed Donnelly, SPTOR president. “We hope the community will join us for a fun night for a good cause.”
At the 21-and-over event, attendees can expect dancing, games, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction featuring tickets to sporting events along with gift certificates for restaurants, stores and services, prizes and entertainment.
Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased online at sptor.org.
Each ticket includes dinner and two drinks. Parking instructions and the address will be provided following ticket purchase. Those who want to donate items for the auction can contact longtime SPTOR member and event chair Steve Fillingham at sftballsteve@aol.com.
Fillingham said the group selected the May 4 date because it is in line with the Tournament of Roses tradition of not holding the parade on a Sunday.
Fillingham said this is the first time SPTOR has held a fundraising event at the Glendale estate.
A unique feature of the Binzley estate is a decadent pool that leads swimmers to a cabana. A 35-foot statue that Binzley once displayed outside his South Pasadena home on Indiana Avenue has been relocated to the Glendale estate.
Additionally, a cherished character from South Pasadena’s 2024 float lives on the estate as well.
“Gertie, the tall giraffe from the city’s prize-winning entry, ‘Boogie Fever,’ will be on display,” said Fillingham, who noted he is certain float-loving partygoers will appreciate seeing the beloved mascot.
First published in the April 26 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
