'Hope Shines On' Takes 2025 Rose Parade Crown

The 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, marked a triumphant moment for Shriners Children’s as our float Hope Shines On claimed the prestigious Queen’s Award for Most Outstanding Use of Roses and served as the parade’s grand finale. The award-winning float, which displayed 36,500 flowers, a stunning waterfall and animated wildlife, showcased our philanthropy’s commitment to creating a world of hope and joy for our patients.

Designed as a vibrant tropical oasis, the float embodied this year’s theme of Hope Shines On. “Tremendous job this year,” said Imperial Sir Richard G. Burke, highlighting the float’s intricate animated features that also included oyster shells opening and closing with bubbles blowing out of them, parrot heads turning and a two-tier working waterfall swimming with colorful fish. The lush landscape represented the nurturing environment Shriners Children’s creates for patients, while the moving elements symbolized the journey of healing and transformation.

First Lady Judy Burke added, “I was so excited to see all the people in the stands, the people on the streets, looking at the float, hearing the stories about Shriners Children’s, talking to our patients, getting a feel for what we’re all about.”

“Hundreds of people walked in the staging area, and they’ve come by, and they looked at our float. And, of course, they see our fezzes, and they wanted to know, ‘What’s Shriners Children’s?’” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Leslie D. Stewart, noting the float’s ability to spark curiosity about the organization’s mission.

“I was very excited to spread the word of Hope Shines On for Shriners because that’s truly what Shriners Children’s does. My story is still shining with hope because of Shriners. I’m here today because of Shriners,” said International Patient Ambassador Paige, who rode on the float alongside fellow International Patient Ambassador Grayson and Patient Ambassadors Kaleb and Alec.

“The atmosphere – there’s just nothing like it,” Grayson said.

The float made history as the parade’s only ADA-compliant entry, featuring a specially designed ramp for wheelchair access. “To be able to ride the float in my wheelchair, and to be able to sit there comfortably, it’s so kind. I’m so thankful that Shriners Children’s prioritized me being comfortable on the float,” said Alec.

The parade culminated in a spectacular Flowers to Football moment, where Grayson threw a football that symbolically connected the parade to the Rose Bowl game. The ball was caught by former Shriners Children’s patient and Paralympic medalist Hunter Woodhall at the stadium.

The float, decorated with more than 110 hours of work by more than 400 volunteers, played How Far I’ll Go from Moana, which Megan Stewart, wife of Dr. Stewart, said “beautifully parallels the way that Shriners Children’s patients have courage, hope and healing every day.”