On the evening of October 17, 2023, the Great Lakes Floral Foundation inducted Mr. Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI, into the Hall of Fame.
The event was held in the beautiful Vega Room and Pavilion at The Vault in Holly, MI. The evening started at 6:00 pm with a reception where over 100 attendees enjoyed appetizers, libations, and good conversation. At 7:00 pm sharp, Foundation President and emcee Rodney Crittenden welcomed everyone and thanked the event sponsors. He then informed the attendees that not only were we honoring Jerome tonight but that tomorrow was a very special Birthday for Jerome. After singing an inspiring round of “Happy Birthday,” Mr. Crittenden invited Robbin Yelverton AAF, AIFD, CF, and PFCI to give the invocation. Attendees enjoyed a delicious five-course gourmet meal, which ended with an Ice Cream Sundae bar and Birthday cake for dessert.
At 8:00 pm, stories and tales of Jerome began, starting with Derek Woodruff AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI, who was followed by Kristi Flatt, Laura Shinall AAF, GLFA President Allison Ludema, Jerome’s daughter Rochelle Silcox, Amanda Foreman (New owner of Blumz), Deborah De La Flor AAF, AIFD, PFCI and Jerome’s partner of 23 plus years Robbin Yelverton AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI. GLFF Chair Teresa Cytlak then told the audience of how she challenged some of Jerome’s friends to describe him in one word. These are a few of the words they came up with. Complex, Spirited, Enthusiastic, Passionate, Leader, Incomparable, Bulldog, Funny and Persuasive. She then invited Jerome to the podium, where she presented him with his Hall of Fame award.
The Great Lakes Floral Foundation would like to thank Kennicott Brothers Company, Syndicate Sales, and Teleflora for their Diamond Presenting Sponsorships and Norman Smith Enterprises (NSE) for their Bronze Sponsorship of the event. Thank You to the team at Blumz in Holly, MI, for setting up and creating the beautiful décor for the evening and to Kennicott Brothers, DWF Flint, and Toledo for providing the flowers.
For more information:
Great Lakes Floral Association
www.greatlakesfloralassociation.org