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It was a grand sendoff in Concord, Calif.\u00a0on Saturday\u00a0for Lions Ren\u00e9 Henderson and Liz Lamach.<\/p>\n
The couple will travel to Pasadena for the 125th<\/sup>\u00a0Annual Tournament of Roses Parade, where they will ride on the Lions Clubs International float.\u00a0 The float design was inspired by a playground built for their son- Matteo\u2019s Dream,\u00a0a park for children of all abilities.\u00a0You can read more about it here.<\/a><\/p>\n Henderson and Lamach, who thought they were just gathering for a maintenance and cleaning day, worked for six hours alongside fellow Lions from across the region, including District Governor Dennis J. Grotrian.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a great work party at Matteo’s Dream today and I was amazed at the turnout, the work completed and the Lion spirit that prevailed,\u201d\u00a0said Grotrian.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n When it was over, everyone gathered for the surprise celebration and sendoff. Lions hosted a special ceremony to present Henderson and Lamach with jackets signed by the community, which they will wear while riding the float on Jan. 1, along with 30 long stem roses donated by Darling Flowers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Also in attendance was Christian Campbell, a 17-year-old who uses the park and will be riding the float alongside Henderson and Lamach. California State Assembly Member Susan A. Bonilla is sponsoring his trip to Pasadena in celebration of Matteo\u2019s Dream\u2019s impact on the community.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was so powerful,\u201d said Lamach of Saturday\u2019s event where 18 different clubs in the region attended to show their support. \u201cIt was an incredible afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Henderson and Lamach will join Lions International President Barry J. Palmer in Los Angeles on\u00a0December 30, when they will join the Lions members in decorating the float.<\/p>\n Lions Clubs International is showing support by hosting our first-ever social media contest on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. We’re giving several chances to win an official Matteo\u2019s Dream Rose Parade commemorative pin.\u00a0 You can read more details about the contest and the official rules here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additionally, we are asking Lions everywhere to continue sharing the YouTube video<\/a> in an effort to spread the word about the unique story behind the float design.<\/p>\n![\"Lions](\"http:\/\/lionsclubs.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/MatteosDream_PhotoCredit_DennisGrotrian_The-Dream-Team1.jpg\")
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