Bob Bridge named grand marshal of River Days parade

IKEA Renton River Days is almost here and ushering in the parade this year will be local Renton businessman Bob Bridge, who will be the grand marshal.

This year's parade starts at 10 a.m. July 28 and marches down South Third Street in downtown Renton.Bridge, who used to own a car dealership in Renton for many years, was chosen for his commitment to the community.

?Bob has done so much for Renton," said Tammy Kaiser, the River Days volunteer parade chair in a press release. "He is truly a caring and devoted member of the community. Honoring him as grand marshal of the parade is one small way we can show our appreciation for his continued commitment.?

Bridge is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts and support to different causes in Renton, for example education.He established the Reading Buddies program, where fifth-graders read and tutor first and second-grade students.?It came from an idea Bridge got from his granddaughter.

Bridge also helped support an online high school math tutoring program, a teacher appreciation awards program, a school band and orchestra instrument refurbishing program among other efforts. He is a major contributor to the Friends of Renton Schools Foundation, has sponsored the annual Renton River Days festival, supported Communities in Schools of Renton, Vision House, The Salvation Army and food bank, the City of Renton Community Services Scholarship Program and youth programs with the police department and Swedish Hospital.

Bridge was named an Outstanding Citizen in 2008 as part of the City of Renton's Citizen of the Year program for community service.

He recently sold his car dealership to Mike O'Brien, another Washington auto dealer.

?Renton has been my adult home for many years," said Bridge in the release. "Being named grand marshal is a tremendous honor.?

Appearing after Bridge in the parade will be drill teams, cheer squads, Seattle Sounders FC Sound Wave, Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, classic and antique cars and many others.The festival runs in Liberty Park all weekend, July 27-29.

To volunteer contact Sharon Murphy, assistant volunteer coordinator at rrdvolunteer@comcast.net or call 425-235-4614. For more information about the festival, visit the festival web site.

Source: http://feeds.soundpublishing.com/~r/renall/~3/WM8slpeZ2-0/162801676.html

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