The Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower Luncheon will return with the ninth annual event on May 16 in the garden of a Spanish-style Hope Ranch home with sweeping views of the mountains and city.
The event will acknowledge and thank Flower Empower’s supporters and volunteers while raising funds to continue the program’s work in delivering kindness and compassion to those in need.
The annual tradition was held off last year because of the natural disasters that plagued the region.
“We are humbled and delighted to welcome back an event that has been so very special to the organization and the community we love,” Dream Foundation CEO Kisa Heyer said. “It’s incredibly overwhelming to see the program continue to thrive amongst all odds. We are thankful to all of our volunteers, growers and friends.”
Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program is a Santa Barbara-based, volunteer-driven program that delivers more than 150 floral bouquets, fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates and hand-made cards to people in hospices, cancer centers and their homes every week from Ventura to Goleta. Since its inception 25 years ago, the program has made more than 115,000 bouquets.
Last year, in response to the disasters, the program was able to reorganize funds and bring cheer to affected children with toys and games.
“It was an easy decision,” Heyer said. “I’m pleased we could continue our work of bringing comfort and joy to our community.”
This year’s event will honor and recognize the following groups and individuals:
» National Charity League Inc. Santa Barbara, 2019 Organization of the Year
» Tracey Morris, ella & louie floral studio, 2019 Florist of the Year
» Flower Empower Honorary Committee, 2019 Volunteers of the Year
NewsChannel3’s Alan Rose and Alys Martinez will co-host the event. Andrew Firestone will spearhead a live auction and paddle raise. Rose, Martinez and Firestone have all been longtime, dedicated supporters of the Dream Foundation, its mission and its programs, including Flower Empower.
A limited number of tickets are available for $150. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and provide benefits for brands and families alike. Click here for tickets.
Flower Empower is made possible by the generosity of community growers, retailers and volunteers as well as 2019 Program Sponsors Robin and Roger Himovitz, Shelley and Paul Schulte, and the Rudi Schulte Family Foundation.
The Dream Foundation recognizes its 2019 Magnolia Level Sponsors Lisa and George Hagerman; Peony Level Sponsors Colleen Barnett-Taylor and Michael Taylor, Kate and Arthur Coppola, and Elizabeth and Kenny Slaught, and Rose Level Sponsors Wells Hughes, Arlington Financial Advisors and Montectio Bank & Trust.
Click here for more information about the program. Click here for more information about the Dream Foundation.
— Dani Cordaro is a publicist for the Dream Foundation.