The South Milwaukee Lions and one of its proudest former members — along with a flower-powered, locally inspired convertible — will be front and center during Tuesday’s Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Parade.
And there is a celebration to go along with it.
The parade will be broadcast starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 on ABC, and you can check it out at a parade viewing party at The Tap Room, 1301 Milwaukee Ave. From the Facebook event posting …
Come watch the Rose Bowl Parade, support a fantastic cause and celebrate the life of Karla Harris …The Tap Room will be donating 15% of our daily sales to the South Milwaukee Lions club in Karla Harris name. For those of you who didn’t know Karla here is just a little about her and her story.
Karla Harris, from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was elected to serve a two-year term as an International director of Lions Clubs. She was on trend to become the next female president of Lions Club International. She was a member of the South Milwaukee Lions Club since 2002, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson, Multiple District Centennial Coordinator and Leadership Institute faculty member, etc. She was also a leader within her own community. As president of the South Milwaukee Police and Fire Commission. As executive director of the South Milwaukee Community Center. As volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross and Women’s Center. As a member of the boards of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, Wisconsin Make-a-Wish, the UW-Milwaukee School of Education, AFS International, and many others. She was honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for her work to raise awareness for the visually impaired and helping to create the Lions “Rockin’ the Vest” Rap Video.
Karla had the idea to produce a rap video to help bring in new members, little did she know this video would later be translated into 33 different languages around the world. This rap film was created right here in South Milwaukee, with local Leos, Lioness and Lions from all around the state. The “Rockin’ the Vest” theme will be carried out in her honor for this year’s 2019 Lions Club International float in the Parade Of Roses. Lion Clarence, Lion Claren and Lion Casey will be riding on the float in her honor.
Karla Harris lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 62. However, her legacy will live on for many years to come.
Learn more in the press release.
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