The Endowment hosted its annual upshot & receipt during the SAF Annual Convention in Phoenix , AZ , on September 7 , 2023.The evening was a celebration of the flowered industry as a whole – recognizing supporters across all segments as well as declare two new named monetary resource , a fresh scholarship , the first - ever AFE Ambassador Awards , and more . AFE Chairman Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops complain off the outcome by welcoming everyone and place the tone for celebrating AFE ’s current first step , acquisition , strategic end , and , most significantly , our residential district of dedicated presenter .
" This reception pock not only a solemnization of our shared attainment but also a promising glimpse into the future of the industry , " Young said . " Besides deal groundbreaking new program , scholarship , and monetary fund , we also had the opportunity to recognize and thank the heart of AFE - our dedicated supporters - and the prospect to deal more about what AFE is doing through networking and conversations with industry members from across the nation . "
All of AFE ’s donor and supporters over the last twelvemonth were recognized , including over 25 organizations and soul reaching new Lifetime Giving Levels , over 90 donors that stand AFE ’s 2023 Annual Fundraising Campaign – R.I.S.E. to Support , and denote AFE ’s new Consecutive Giving Society . The Consecutive Giving Society honour the Endowment ’s most steady benefactor , who have been coherent annual supporters for three or more consecutive year . Over 20 donors and organization were recognise for over 25 age of successive giving .
Two new named funds were herald – the Carlstedt ’s LLC Fund and the Pérez Villegas Family Fund . And a raw scholarship , the Ruby N. & Roland , A Whealy Memorial Scholarship Fund , patronise postgraduate students with research centering on reducing the effect of changing climates on floriculture crop , was make .
Two industry friend , Dr. Marvin Miller and Dwight Larimer , were distinguish for their avail , leading , and commitment to AFE with the inaugural AFE Ambassador Awards . They have gone above and beyond to promote AFE ’s programs and imagination , serving as ambassador across the flowered diligence and academia .
AFE also harbinger new Officers and Trustees to the Board . David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company / Garcia Group was named Chairman - Elect and will get down his Chairmanship in 2024 . Bill Foster of BioWorks was named Treasurer / Secretary and will be join the Executive Committee . New AFE Trustees admit Kelvin Frye of Syndicate Sales , Vijay Rapaka of Smithers - Oasis , and Adam Van Winkle of Stadium Flowers . Two outgoing Trustees were honored as they completed their term on the Board : Cindy Hanauer of Grand Central Floral and Tim Galea of Norton ’s Flowers & Gifts .
The academic session finish with a reception full of networking and merriment , including a challenge presented by Past Chairman Laura Shinall of FreshPath Marketing to fulfil the Vases in the way . As a part of the Nox ’s topic , Friends of Floral , attendees were encouraged to join AFE ’s Friends of Floral program by giving a recurring monthly endowment to AFE of any size . Those who made a donation over the course of the nighttime were able to place a rose into the vases provided and build up beautiful transcription celebrate the force that our manufacture has to corroborate creation , onward motion , and ontogeny together .
" The Endowment is made successful through the commitment of our donors . Through your on-going consignment to the growth of our industry , we are able to make an impact every year on patronage innovative research , fostering the next generation of future leaders , and bring home the bacon educational opportunities for all , " noted AFE ’s Executive Director , Debi Chedester .
For more information : American Floral EndowmentTel . : +1 ( 703 ) 838-5211www.endowment.org
