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Florists Helping Florists. Caring for Our Communities.
At the heart of FSFA International is something greater than flowers. It is a community of people who care for one another, give
generously of their time and talents, and step forward when someone needs a helping hand.
FSFA ❤️ CARES is our commitment to carrying that spirit of compassion forward.
A Legacy of CaringThe spirit behind FSFAI CARES was inspired by Ann Martin AIFD, CFD, the first recipient of the FSFA Humanitarian Award and the driving force behind the establishment of the AIFD Foundation Florida Florist Fund. Ann understood that our floral industry is more than a profession. It is a family. With the support of many FSFA members, Ann helped raise more than $100,000 to assist Florida floral professionals who were struggling with medical expenses or had been affected by catastrophic events. Her compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping others created a legacy that continues to inspire our organization today.
Ann Martin AIFD, CFD In Loving Memory • January 30, 1937 - December 7, 2020 |
The Beginning of FSFAI CARES
In 2018, FSFA Past President Deborah De La Flor established the FSFA CARES Program to continue that spirit of giving while also recognizing the incredible work floral professionals are doing in their own communities.
Deborah recognized that many FSFA members quietly work behind the scenes, volunteering their time, supporting nonprofit organizations, helping families in need, and sharing the beauty of flowers with people who need encouragement and hope.
FSFAI CARES gives those acts of kindness a voice.
It allows us to recognize our members, share their stories, encourage others to become involved, and remind our industry of what can happen when we work together.
Deborah De La Flor AIFD PFCI Past-President
Founder, FSFAI CARES Program
More Than $40,000 Raised
Helping Our Floral Family When They Need Us Most
Since the establishment of FSFAI CARES, more than $40,000 in donations has been raised to help members of our floral community, including those affected by hurricanes, natural disasters, and other unexpected hardships.
When one of our own needs help, our floral family responds.
Every donation represents more than a dollar amount. It represents a fellow floral professional saying:
You are part of our family, and we care.
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Caring Beyond Our Industry
FSFAI CARES is also about taking the talents and generosity of our floral community beyond our own industry.
Throughout Florida, FSFA International members volunteer with nonprofit organizations, participate in community projects, support charitable causes, and use flowers to bring comfort, encouragement, and joy to others.
Some of these acts are large. Others may seem small.
Every act of kindness matters.
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Flowers Helping Dreams Come True
In 2019, Bob Tucker, with the support of FSFA International members and industry partners, helped begin a very special relationship with the Sunshine Foundation in Davenport, Florida, an organization dedicated to making dreams come true for children facing significant challenges.
Through Bob's continued dedication, what began as an opportunity to help has grown into an annual tradition. Each year, Bob continues to help coordinate this special project, bringing together the generosity, talent, and resources of our floral community.
With the support of our vendor partners, designers, and volunteers, FSFA International creates and provides the floral centerpieces for the Sunshine Foundation's Annual Gala.
For our members, this is about much more than creating beautiful flowers. It is an opportunity to use the talents we have been given to bring joy to others and help support an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
We are grateful to Bob Tucker for his continued commitment to this project and to every vendor, designer, and volunteer who gives their time, products, and talents each year.
Together, they demonstrate exactly what FSFA ❤️ CARES is all about.
Because when our floral community comes together to give, somewhere a child's dream can come true.
Our Members Make a Difference
Behind every photograph is a story.
A designer who volunteered their time.
A florist who donated flowers.
A member who helped a family after a hurricane.
A group that created arrangements for people who needed encouragement.
A floral professional who simply saw a need and decided to help.
These are the stories that represent the heart of FSFA International.
This is FSFAI CARES.
Tell Us Your Story
Are you or someone you know in the floral industry making a difference in your community?
We want to hear about it.
Whether you are volunteering with a nonprofit, supporting a charitable organization, helping people in need, or sharing the gift of flowers within your community, FSFA International would be honored to recognize your efforts and help share your story.
Tell us how you are making a difference.
Please send your information and photographs to:
Help Us Continue to CARE
When a member of our floral family faces an unexpected hardship, the support of others can make an incredible difference.
Your gift to FSFA ❤️ CARES helps us continue our tradition of florists helping florists and allows FSFA International to respond when members of our floral community need a helping hand.
Every gift matters. Every act of kindness makes a difference.
Make a Gift to FSFA ❤️ CARES
Please complete the secure donation form below. Your contribution will be designated to the FSFA ❤️ CARES Fund and used to support the mission of FSFA ❤️ CARES.
Thank you for helping us CARE.