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Donate Life America, a nonprofit organization devoted to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available to help sustain and heal lives, took top honors in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade, winning the 2023 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry “Lifting Each Other Up!”
The float features 40,000 flowers atop an Asian street dragon adorned with memorial floral portraits honoring the organization’s donors. Eighteen organ, eye and tissue recipients are seated at various points on the float along with eight living donors supporting the dragon with bamboo poles.
The float was built by Irwindale-based Fiesta Parade Floats. The Sweepstakes Award honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
The 2023 Rose Parade float award-winners are listed below.
Scores are based on criteria such as creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and dramatic impact.
This year’s judges – Nicole Cavender, Lois Hiranaga and Jennie O’Hagan – reviewed each float during judging sessions that take place during the decorating stages before the parade. The judges used their scores from the judging sessions to determine the trophy recipients. Banners for each award-winning float will be carried in the parade by select members of the Tournament of Roses Troop, which includes Gold Award Girl Scouts and Eagle Scouts.
FTD is the official floral company and sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards. The iconic American company has been affiliated with the Rose Parade for more than 60 years. FTD decorates the antique automobiles which carry the Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Boulevard including the Grand Marshals, Tournament of Roses President, Mayor of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame cars.
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