Dec 13, 2016 3 min read

Gary Weinstein, president and CEO of Washington Health System, recently signed a rose vial that will be on the Donate Life Rose Parade float in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade.

It takes 30 roses to cover just one square foot on a Rose Bowl Parade float. Each of the estimated 19 million flowers on display are meticulously positioned within a vial of water. For most of the 42 floats, the vials serve the sole purpose of keeping roses fresh for viewing.

However, the Donate Life float is unique in that each vial is inscribed with dedications and positive affirmations related to the mission of saving and enhancing lives by sharing the gift of life and delivering the message of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Families of deceased donors are honored to see their loved one’s likeness showcased as part of the float. Living donors and recipients bring the float to life by riding on walking beside the float.

The parade theme, “Echoes of Success,” tells the story of how character is developed through the selfless contribution of others and celebrates their inspirational gifts.

This year’s entry, “Teammates in Life,” is representative of the large community that makes it possible to save thousands of lives across the country each year. It depicts a Polynesian catamaran, which will be propelled by 24 organ, eye and tissue transplant recipients rowing in unison with strength gained from donors.

The sails of the vessel will feature 60 floral portraits of donors interwoven with Polynesian designs and patterns. Just as the donors’ gifts empower the lives of others, the sails help power the catamaron on its journey.

Twelve living donors will walk alongside the float carrying flowers in celebration of the life they have given to others and the quality of life they continue to enjoy themselves.

The ocean waves will feature 1,000 white Akito roses, individually dedicated in memory or honor of those touched by donation. Vibrant birds will perch among a landscape of tropical flowers and palm trees, while a pair of tikis, which represent light and life and abundance and peace, peer out of the jungle. The float will exude life with colorful, exotic blooms grown in Hawaii especially for the occasion.

The 14th annual Donate Life float is produced by OneLegacy, the Donate Life organization serving Southern California, and is made possible by nearly 100 sponsoring donation, transplant, health care and family care organizations and individuals who help make donation and transplant possible across the country.

For more information about organ, eye or tissue donation, visit www.DonateLifeFloat.org.