Valerie Banks, the force behind Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower Program, has announced her retirement after a tenure of nearly 15 years.
Since assuming leadership in the fall of 2008, Banks grew the program from its humble beginnings at Santa Barbara’s Saturday Farmer’s Market, forging partnerships with local growers and flower wholesalers, while rallying dozens of volunteers.
Today, volunteers create 150-200 bouquets each week for those in need of comfort and cheer in the Santa Barbara community. The program has delivered 125,000 bouquets to personal homes, nursing homes, elder care facilities, infusion centers, and hospitals.
“The program would not exist if not for the Carpinteria growers who donate the flowers every week and the dedicated volunteers,” Banks said. “I had the pleasure of being part of this incredible program and have met such wonderful people over the years. I will miss the Flower Empower A-Team.”
During the trials of the pandemic, Banks’ collaboration with Westerlay Orchids provided a beacon of compassion as her team delivered an unprecedented 18,000 orchids to the community. The majority of the blooms found their way into the hands of local food banks, frontline heroes, and essential workers, leaving a caring mark on the community’s spirit.
“Valerie’s enthusiasm and passion have remained unwavering throughout her tenure,” saod Kisa Heyer, Dream Foundation CEO, who first learned about the organization when she volunteered for the program with her daughter a decade ago.
“With Val at the helm, Flower Empower has had a significant impact on this community and exemplifies the very best in people coming together to support those in need,” Heyer said. “Val and her leadership will be sorely missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire others in the future.”
Beyond her work with Flower Empower, Banks offered her creativity and expertise to Dream Foundation’s Dream program, enhancing the final Dreams of countless individuals.
One poignant memory Banks said was a Dream for a young woman, Martha, that took place in 2017. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Martha yearned for a Quinceañera party to celebrate her 21st birthday. Banks united the community to create a majestic celebration. In a testament to Banks’ dedication, she even had the privilege of attending the event.
As Banks begins her retirement, she said she anticipates new adventures with her family, deepening her involvement with the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, and indulging in the simple pleasure of sleeping in on Saturdays, something she has not had the luxury of for 15 years.
“It’s the only thing I won’t miss,” she said.
“Valerie was our fearless leader on Saturday mornings, organizing, connecting with people, forging relationships benefitting the program, growing personal friendships, and she would do it all with a smile and an open heart,” said Barbara Schoch, Dream Foundation vice president of programs.
For more about Dream Foundation and to donate, visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.