Parade Entry on Easy Street

With a developer’s pledge in hand, backers of Irvine’s effort to enter a float in the 1987 Rose Parade announced Tuesday that their financial woes are over.

Tim Strader, founder of Irvine-based Legacy Development and president of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, said Tuesday that he donated $10,000 in cash when he was approached by the Irvine Rose Parade Float Assn. The group needs another $30,000, and Strader said Tuesday that he will guarantee the additional amount.

Strader said he already has contacted about 75 businesses and coaxed $18,000 from several sources, including $10,000 from the Irvine-based Koll Co. and several $1,000 donors.

“I think it’s exciting to see this kind of an effort. This is a focal point for the business community to join with the citizens,” he said.

Irvine’s entry, which will depict a primitive setting called “World of Prehistoric Wonders,” will be one of two county entries in the famous New Year’s Day parade. Santa Ana is entering a float titled “Folklorico!” depicting the city’s historic Latino heritage.

The difference between the two civic efforts, said Irvine float spokeswoman Donna Harwood, is that the City of Irvine will not provide any money. Santa Ana will spend about $80,000 for its float, city spokeswoman Dori Kopacz said.

As a consequence, Harwood said the Irvine group has “had a lot of difficulty raising money” to cover the $110,000 cost for the float, which is under construction at Fiesta Float Co. in Temple City.

Fund-raising activities have ranged from canvassing city businesses to “phone-a-thons,” Harwood said. An early setback to the campaign was a rejection from the Irvine Co., which decided against the group’s request for a $20,000 donation and a $20,000 loan. The Irvine Co. instead provided office space for the association.

Ralph Rodheim, head of the float’s fund-raising team, said the bulk of the contributions have come from individuals and corporations. A $10,000 donation has been pledged by real estate broker Hanu Reddy; Taco Bell has kicked in $15,000. A company in Irvine, Scotland, has contributed $5,000, and a Mr. Blackwell Celebrity Auction last month netted $9,500.

Having a float in the Pasadena spectacle will provide great publicity for the city, Rodheim said.

“No doubt about it,” Strader said. “I think there will be about 250 million people (including the TV audience) who will see that float and get some idea of what the city of Irvine is all about. We’ve got the greatest city in Southern California.”

The 98th Rose Parade will be held Jan. 1, beginning at 8:20 a.m. in Pasadena. Parade organizers say this year’s extravaganza will include 60 floats, 22 musical bands and 200 equestrians.