The UPS Store Celebrates Literacy at the 2017 Rose Parade
December 28 2016 - 11:00AM
The UPS Store today officially announced the company’s first-ever
float in the 2017 Tournament of Roses® Parade. The float, “Books
Bring Us Together”, brings to life the Toys for Tots Literacy
Program, highlighting the importance of childhood literacy on a
national stage. The float complements the 2017 Rose Parade® “Echoes
of Success” theme as literacy is an essential ingredient to every
child’s success.
The Toys for Tots® Literacy Program, developed by The UPS Store
and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in 2008, provides books and
educational resources to economically disadvantaged children in
communities across the country. The program aims to enhance
children’s ability to read and communicate effectively by igniting
their imaginations through stories and tales.
“We’re proud of our partnership with Toys for Tots, and the Rose
Parade is a perfect place to spotlight our mission to raise
awareness of the importance of childhood literacy,” said Tim Davis,
president of The UPS Store. “Our participation in the Rose Parade
allows us to celebrate the wonder and excitement books bring to the
lives of children.”
The UPS Store’s float is expected to be tallest in this year’s
parade at 42 feet high and weighing in at 18 tons. The float
features animal friends – a mouse holding a book, a gigantic
giraffe with reading glasses and the U.S. Marine Corps teddy bear –
all reading together. More than 60,000 chrysanthemums in six
different varieties decorate the float, along with thousands of
carnations, roses, lilies and orchids in various bright colors. The
float’s animation includes the giraffe turning his head side to
side and wiggling his ears. The mouse and the teddy bear turn their
heads as well, rocking side to side as the toy tops on the back end
of the float spin.
The three bowties on the giraffe represent more than three
million dollars The UPS Store has raised for the Toys for Tots
Literacy Program since the its inception. As the float glides down
the parade route, massive hydraulic cylinders allow the 32-foot
tower of books and 42-foot giraffe to lower to a height to pass
under power lines and bridges for a safe, smooth ride.
“I fell in love with the Rose Parade when I was 9 years old and
designed my first float at 13. The UPS Store's entry has exactly
the kind of magic that appealed to me as a kid,” said Charles
Meier, creative director of Paradiso Parade Floats. “It's the sort
of float you'd want to hug if it weren't 42 feet tall, made out of
steel and covered in floral glue. I'm delighted with it.”
As a result of monies raised by UPS and The UPS Store, the
literacy program has distributed more than 36.8 million books to
children across the United States. This year is no exception. The
4,500 plus locally owned and operated The UPS Store® locations
nationwide, their franchisees and employees continue their
fundraising through the end of the year by accepting monetary
donations at check-out and encouraging book donations. Float riders
include local franchisees from The UPS Store and their
children.
Don’t miss The UPS Store float, “Books Bring Us Together,” in
the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 8:00 a.m. PST. To
find The UPS Store location nearest you or to make a contribution
to support literacy, visit
theupsstore.com/roses.
About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide
fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 69th year, Toys for
Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children
through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday
season. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org
About The UPS Store
With more than 4,500 locations, The UPS Store® network comprises
the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal,
print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the
U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees
of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services,
pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional
information on The UPS Store, including information on franchise
opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit
www.theupsstore.com. Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at
@TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at
facebook.com/theupsstore. Copyright © 2016 The UPS Store, Inc. All
rights reserved.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®
Association
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that
annually hosts America’s New Year Celebration® festivities with the
Rose Parade® event presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® 2017
presented by Northwestern Mutual and a variety of accompanying
events. 935 volunteer members of the association will drive the
success of the 128th Rose Parade theme of “Echoes of Success,” on
Monday, January 2, 2017, followed by the 103rd Rose Bowl
Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
and visit our blog at blog.tournamentofroses.com.
About Paradiso Parade Floats
Based in Irwindale, California, Paradiso Parade Floats is a
boutique float builder for the Tournament of Roses® parade
specializing in high-end designs for select clients. Paradiso's
distinctive vision has earned the highest prize-winning rate in the
industry. Owner and creative director Charles Meier holds the
record as the youngest designer in the history of the parade,
having created his first entry at age 13. Over the last 25 years,
sophisticated design, lush flowering and meticulous craftsmanship
have become his signature. For more information, please visit
www.paradisoparadefloats.com.
Contact:Chelsea LeeThe UPS
Store858-652-0581chelsealee@upsstore.com
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