FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
From the city of St. Petersburg
                                                                        
CONTACTS:
Nova Barnett, WaMu National Public Relations, 404-881-0276
Stevie Osterland, City Recreation, 727-893-7734
Danny Beauchesne, Lions Club, 727-525-5950                                                                                                                      

Santa Parade Announces Major Sponsor

St. Petersburg, Fla. (October 18, 2007) The annual Santa Parade, held the first Saturday in December, will march on thanks to the generosity of a major sponsor. City and bank officials announced today that Washington Mutual (WaMu) officially joins the St. Petersburg Lions Club to present the colorful holiday parade this year, preserving the 80-year tradition.  
    
"WaMu and our employees have a long tradition of getting involved in the neighborhoods where we do business," said Peter Sylvestre, the bank's regional manager for the St. Petersburg area. "We're very proud to play a role and join in support with the city of St. Petersburg and the Lion's Club to make this joyful occasion happen for our communities," he added.

Mayor Rick Baker thanked Washington Mutual and the Lions Club for their roles in presenting the annual holiday tradition. He said, "December 1st will be a great day for children throughout St. Petersburg when two generous community organizations join together to present the Washington Mutual Lions Club Santa Parade along the downtown waterfront," said Mayor Rick Baker.

This year's parade will take place on Saturday, December 1 beginning at 10 a.m. The route runs along Central Avenue, then north on Bayshore Drive to Fifth Avenue North, disbanding near the Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Any groups or clubs interested in participating in the parade lineup should contact Michelle with the Lions Club, at 727-525-5950. Following the parade, an afternoon of wintertime fun will be held in North Straub Park, including toboggan rides on a real snow mound and other holiday-themed family activities.

"We've been sponsoring the Santa Parade for seven years now," said Danny Beauchesne, treasurer and chair of youth activities for the St. Petersburg Lions Club, "and we couldn't be happier that WaMu has stepped up. We welcome their financial support so that Santa and his reindeer can make their annual Saturday appearance along the waterfront."

St. Petersburg City Council Chair James Bennett said, "It's very important to keep St. Petersburg on Santa's schedule for places to visit. Thanks to WaMu and the Lions Club for preserving this fun-filled event for our children."
 
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No. 07-48