CalFlowers, a floral trade association in California serving growers and the entire supply chain in 48 states, announces the donation of $50,000 to the American Floral Endowment (AFE) in Alexandria, VA. The monetary gift is directed to fund the CalFlowers Scholarship administered by AFE.
“Supporting the efforts of the American Floral Endowment by continuing to fund the CalFlowers Scholarship is a worthy investment and a genuine measure of our commitment to nurture and sustain the floral industry,” says Steve Dionne, executive director of the Fallbrook, CA-based association. “With longevity in mind, this substantial gift is a recognized way to fuel one of our many endeavors — to assure Floral has a sound future with top talent coming into the industry.” Created for undergraduate students attending an accredited California college or university, or for California residents attending a U.S. university or accredited college, the CalFlowers Scholarship was initiated in 2018. To date, the donation amount from CalFlowers to AFE for the designated scholarship fund has reached $200,000.
“Receiving this kind of financial support garners immeasurable attention to the on-going AFE scholarship program. We’re especially pleased to administer the CalFlowers Scholarship along with 30 others because it means so much to the students, their families, and the floral industry,” says Debi Chedester, AFE executive director. “The $50,000 donation should result in an annual yield of $8,000 – a rousing amount sure to be appreciated by future scholarship recipients.”
On board as Executive Director since November 2, but a long-time member of CalFlowers, Dionne adds, “Deciding and acting to donate to the scholarship fund at this level represents a way for the current board of directors to implement a mechanism to power the perpetual quality of the fund.” The board, which is comprised of 13 CalFlowers members, is dedicated to addressing current industry issues while planning for the future. Dionne indicates the board members of CalFlowers have great vision and the association is planning many ventures to bolster and augment current campaigns endorsing the aspirational goal of more Americans enjoying more flowers more often.
For more information:
American Floral Endowment
T: +1 (703) 838-5211
www.endowment.org