The Tournament of Roses Royal Court Makes Annual Visit to Hillsides

The 2020 Royal Court during an evening with the children of Hillsides. Left to right: Rukan Saif, Mia Thorsen, Emilie Risha, Camille Kennedy, Reese Rosental Saporito, Michael Wilkins and Cole Fox.

The Tournament of Roses 2020 Royal Court visited Hillsides on Tuesday for an evening of pizza, crafts, conversation and laughter. It was a visit that made a special impact on all in attendance and the Royal Court walked away with their own Hillsides keepsake.

Rose Queen Camille Kennedy (center) and Princess Rukan Saif share a laugh with Hillsides children and staff members.

“The Royal Court attends nearly 100 events in two and a half months, and we are so thankful that each year, the Rose Queen and the Princesses spend time with the children of Hillsides,” said Hillsides President and CEO Joseph M. Costa. “They are wonderful role models for the girls, and their visit is one of the most anticipated events of the year.”

The Rose Queen® and Princesses spent 90 minutes with the girls, chatting, decorating journals and sharing dinner. Members of the Royal Court, who took home their own journals covered in drawings and stickers, posed for numerous pictures and talked about how they enjoyed working with the children.

“We feel very privileged to be here at Hillsides because we are a very diverse court ourselves with people from different backgrounds,” said 2020 Rose Queen Camille Kennedy. “Being able to be in this environment and get to meet and learn with the children here, and in some way give back to them, is something special.”

The Royal Court was announced following a month-long process with students from 45 Pasadena area high schools participating in interviews. Their community and media appearances will culminate with their appearance on the Royal Court float in the 131st Rose Parade® presented by Honda and attending the 106th Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual, both on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Hillsides, with its affiliate Bienvenidos, is dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality comprehensive services and advocacy. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the agency serves more than 17,000 children and families in Southern California throughout more than 40 sites, including school-based mental health offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. Foster care and adoptions services are offered in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about Hillsides, please visit www.Hillsides.org. Follow Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.