The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses (SPTOR) committee is well on its way to bringing “The Great Picnic Heist” to life. While the construction and decoration teams are hard at work on the foundation of the float, the committee is hustling to raise money to pay for the float’s construction and flowers. The final fundraising push includes the annual Crunch Time Party and Silent Auction on Monday, December 29, SPTOR’s annual raffle ticket sales, and a See’s Candies Fundraiser.
Tickets for the Annual Crunch Time Party and Auction went on sale earlier this month. The largest of the annual fundraisers to support South Pasadena’s self-built Rose Parade float, the popular event returns to the War Memorial Building at 435 Fair Oaks Avenue on Monday, December 29 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Crunch Time Party tickets are $80 each and include a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions and a raffle. Wine, beer and cocktails will be available for purchase at the party. For table sales, please contact Ellen Torres at [email protected]. Crunch Time’s online auction bidding starts December 27 and will be accessible 24 hours a day through January 1 at noon PDT. Businesses and community members interested in contributing products, services, and experiences for the auctions are encouraged to contact Laura Kieffer at [email protected]. To purchase tickets and access the online auction, visit https://auctria.events/SPTORCRUNCHTIME-2025.
SPTOR’s Ultimate Tournament of Roses Experience Raffle Tickets are available while they last. Only 275 $100 tickets are available for the chance to win three prizes: 1st Prize: 4 tickets to the 2026 Rose Bowl Game, 2nd Prize: 4 VIP Parade Tickets in the viewing section on Orange Grove Boulevard, and 3rd Prize: $300 cash. Tickets can be purchased directly from volunteers selling the raffle tickets and online at sptor.org.
SPTOR’s See’s Candies Fundraiser gives community members an easy and convenient way to support the float while shopping for holiday gifts for clients, neighbors, and friends. Shoppers can choose from a wide selection of chocolates and treats online and have their orders shipped directly to their home or office. Visit sptor.org to browse the candy selection and place an order.
“These fundraisers mark the culmination of nine months of fundraising to cover the costs of South Pasadena’s parade entry. From the large tent that shelters the float and volunteers during construction to the steel that shapes its design, and the natural materials and fresh flowers that bring it to life, the cost to build the float each year is about $150,000,” says Ed Donnelly, SPTOR president. “These fundraisers are a great way for the community to support South Pasadena’s longest running tradition and have a good time in the process,” Donnelly continued.
South Pasadena’s 2026 Rose Parade® entry, “The Great Picnic Heist,” reflects the SPTOR’s idea of “The Magic in Teamwork,” the 2026 parade theme. A whimsical story of teamwork, “The Great Picnic Heist” features a large, drowsy bear is at the center, peacefully dozing next to an overflowing picnic basket, and a “heist crew” of industrious, cartoon-style ants hard at work stealthily swiping the bear’s food. One of only six self-built floats in the parade, South Pasadena will celebrate its 112th year in the Rose Parade® on January 1, 2026.
