Leigh Gluck’s journey with the Tournament of Roses began in 2000, marking the start of a 25-year-plus commitment that has seen her serve on more committees than she has fingers. From Post Parade to Parade Operations, Tournament Grandstands, Student Ambassadors, TV/Radio, Press Photo/Trophy and now, as Chair of the Queen and Court Committee, Leigh has embraced every opportunity to positively impact the Association. The Queen and Court Committee is particularly special, as it organizes the selection process of the 2025 Rose Court. The committee also manages the complex logistics of the Rose Court’s events and appearances with the community, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for the young women who represent the Tournament of Roses.
A natural transition from her early involvement with the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce, better known as the Jaycees, Leigh’s passion for community service found its perfect outlet in the Tournament of Roses. It was through the Jaycees that she met her husband, Ronn Gluck. The couple joined the Tournament together, and their shared love for service has become a cornerstone of their relationship and family life.
When asked what has kept her motivated during her years at the Tournament, Leigh says it’s the friendships and connections she’s built over the years. One of her fondest memories is her leadership roles on the Post Parade and Formation committees, where she guided new members and shared their excitement and energy. As the current Chair of the Queen and Court Committee, Leigh is particularly inspired by the vibrancy and excitement of the young Rose Court candidates she’s encountered in the interview process.
Outside of the Tournament, Leigh has been a devoted community volunteer, serving on school auction committees, PTSA boards and the Sierra Madre Library Board of Trustees. She and Ronn, celebrating more than two decades of marriage, have raised two sons, Hunter and Marshall, who are both off to college this fall. Leigh’s dedication to the Tournament is matched only by her enthusiasm for event planning, which she also channels into her professional life with MHP Events, where she works with nonprofit clients like AbilityFirst and the National Wildlife Foundation.
Leigh’s love for adventure and creating lasting memories is evident in her list of “Best Day Ever” moments. Beyond her marriage and the birth of her two children, she counts feeding wild rhinos in South Africa, exploring the pyramids of Giza and dining at Disneyland’s exclusive Club 33 among her most treasured experiences. The Gluck family has even volunteered at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, continuing their tradition of service and fun this year for a second time of Thanksgiving togetherness.
As Leigh reflects on her time with the Tournament, it’s clear that her heart remains with the people, the memories and the community that make this event more than just a football game and a parade—it’s a lifelong journey of joy and connection.
