http://www.alexoloughlinfansfordonatelife.com/2010/11/merry-christmas-alex-fans-all-over.html
Les and I were wonderfully invited by the Director of Donate Life Hollywood, Tenaya Wallace to help place Alex's 51 roses on the Donate Life Float. Here is our story:
Much to our surprise, the weather was most cooperative and the worst of the rain storm was at home and it was only a light rain in Pasadena. Parking about a mile from the decorating tents, we bundled ourselves up and hiked our way over, getting a little lost along the way, but finally reaching the Donate Life area around 3:15, a little bit before our scheduled meet up with Tenaya at 3:30.
The whole place was huge with lots of people; a mass of Donate Life shirts. :-)
Les and I got in line for the rose placements and the nice volunteers seemed happy to see us but not sure where Alex's roses were. But lo and behold, Tenaya was found, looking lovely as usual. She found the roses and we had a few pictures taken and then it was time to stand in line to go inside.
Tenaya introduced us to the gentleman who, through a letter written to Donate Life, suggested that Donate Life should have a float. A lung recipient himself, he has become a dedicated volunteer for the float every year.
Again, lots of pictures inside taken by the Donate Life photographer including a few with the lovely family from Taylor's Gift Foundation.
Tenaya then got us to our work area and much to our surprise, we were to place Alex's roses on the camera side of the float, in a great and easily seen spot right next to a riders bench.
Tenaya was wonderful and took some pictures of Les and I actually doing the placement.
We read each and every dedication, knowing most of the names from Sabine's blog and/or throughout the fandom. I was very moved by all the messages and all the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers there today and through the whole process to make the float possible every year. It truly felt as if each and every one that dedicated a rose were there with us!
Here is Alex's little garden of roses:
A few more pictures and then Les and I were off to tour the other floats that were sharing the same work area as Donate Life. Amazing all the work and detail! They all were beautiful!
We were done with our tour, went to a tent to pick up a few memory items, gave our quick goodbyes and hugs to Tenaya and it was time to leave for a long drive home.
Again, my deepest gratitude to Tenaya Wallace and all the patient and dedicated volunteers who made the float possible. Les and I can not express how honored we were to be included in such a wonderful endeavor!
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