Spreading Holiday Cheer: Team Mize Shines at Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
Each December, the annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade transforms Downtown Topeka into a winter wonderland. This year, Mize proudly assumed the role of a North Pole Parade Sponsor. We embraced this honorary title and made it our goal to transform our float into a whimsical journey, bringing a touch of the North Pole to the Heartland. Adorned in matching Mize hats, our team took to the parade route, gifting over 200 pounds of candy money to the delighted children lining the streets. Join us as we unwrap the memories, reliving the enchantment that made the 28th Annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade a special moment for Mize.
Building the North Pole
Our float was no ordinary float; it was the North Pole on wheels adorned with twinkling lights, tinsel galore, and a snowy igloo that became the perfect spot for our newest friend, Ralph the Penguin.
Kortney Smith, payroll specialist and decorating extraordinaire, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I loved bringing everyone’s imagination and vision to life!”
As our North Pole float glided through the parade route, Team Mize members made the day even sweeter by handing out candy money to the crowd. A delightful twist on traditional treats, these sweet surprises weren’t just about the sugar rush; they were about creating lasting memories and sparking the magic of the season.
Smith, reflecting on the joy of giving, shared, “My favorite part of the parade was handing out candy because, for some of those kids, this is Christmas. Seeing their smiles when you handed them a handful of candy was so heartwarming.”
Team Spirit on Display
Dressed in matching logoed hats, Team Mize showcased not just unity but also a strong sense of team spirit throughout the parade. Despite the weather not being at its finest, the team made the best of it, turning it into a great tradition for the firm.
Smith added, “It was great to see all my coworkers come out and help support the company. This will be a great tradition to add to the firm. I can’t wait for next year!”
Meet Ralph the Penguin – Team Mize’s Charitable Events Mascot
Ralph the Penguin stole the show and our hearts, prompting us to crown him as Team Mize’s Charitable Events Mascot. With excitement for his new role, Ralph can’t wait to waddle into future events, bringing joy wherever he goes. If you’re wondering, where did we get the name Ralph? We’re happy to tell you our little penguin is named after one of the founding partners of our firm, Ralph Houser.
A Memorable Experience
For Smith, volunteering at the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade was more than a festive tradition; it was an opportunity to create magical moments for the community and for Team Mize. “Christmas is my favorite time of year, so going out and supporting the company I love to work for was a great opportunity,” she expressed.
The Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade was a fun way to kick off our renewed commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time on a wet, cold Saturday night to spread happiness and goodwill to the Topeka community. Team Mize is already busy planning our next outing. We invite you to come see us at TARC’s Winter Wonderland on December 23rd. Team Mize will be waiting at the gates to greet you from 5:30 to 8:00 pm that night. If you’re lucky, you might spot Ralph in the group too!
