Tournament of Roses® Celebrates 126th Rose Parade® Theme "Inspiring Stories" With New Social Media Campaign

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tournament of Roses has officially launched its #RoseParade #Inspiring Stories social media campaign for the 2015 Rose Parade presented by Honda.  This year's parade theme, "Inspiring Stories," encourages everyone to celebrate the many people who elevate the human spirit, and the #RoseParade #Inspiring Stories social media campaign will serve as a platform for people to share their inspiring stories at www.roseparadeinspire.com. 

Individuals are encouraged to submit their inspiring stories in the form of a photo, story or video via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. With each entry between now and December 15, 2014, participants are automatically entered into a sweepstakes and become eligible to win a VIP trip for two to the 2015 Rose Parade presented by Honda and the first College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game^® presented by Northwestern Mutual. The winner will also receive $1,000 for travel and related expenses, which may be awarded in the form of a gift card. In order to be considered as a contest participant, individuals must use #RoseParade and #Inspiring upon submission and have their social media settings set to public.

The 2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal, the late Louis Zamperini, was the embodiment of an inspiring story. An Olympian and World War II prisoner of war, Zamperini was a symbol of heroism and perseverance. On January 1, 2015, Zamperini's story will live on as his family will be honored during the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda.

"The inspiring stories social media campaign is meant to uphold the joy and hope that individuals bring to those around them just as Louis Zamperini did," said Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen. "Louis was an exemplary man whose life story illustrated the strength of the human spirit in many ways and we hope this campaign brings light to many other wonderful stories."

To learn more about the campaign and to check out the inspiring stories already submitted, visit www.roseparadeinspire.com.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses^®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the

Rose Parade^®, the Rose Bowl Game^® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament's 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game.  Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year.  The 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed "Inspiring Stories," will take place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, followed by the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual.  For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

SOURCE Pasadena Tournament of Roses