We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from this year’s Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at UTC! Blaze of Hope won 2nd Place for Best Parade Theme, capturing the spirit of the “Illuminate” theme with creativity, dedication, and heart. This recognition comes with a $2,250 prize, which will go directly toward supporting families of hospitalized children during their time of need.
The parade judges, including Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, Sarasota County Commissioner Teresa Mast, and East County Observer Managing Editor Jay Heater, carefully evaluated each entry based on appearance, creativity, and how well it embodied the holiday theme. We are honored that our efforts stood out among so many amazing participants.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team of volunteers and supporters who brought our vision to life. Thank you for helping Blaze of Hope make the holiday season even brighter—not just for the parade audience, but for the families we serve.
If you’d like to continue supporting our mission, consider donating or volunteering with us. Together, we can bring hope and light to even more families.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Blaze of Hope! 🎄✨
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