Real Local Florists Inc. donates $20,000 to support education
Real Local Florists Inc., through the efforts of Harold M. Hoogasian, have donated $20,000 to the American Floral Endowment to support and bolster future educational efforts. This significant contribution creates a lasting legacy for the Real Local Florists.
Real Local Florists – Formerly Florists for Change’s main goal was to improve the industry for traditional retail florists. Through a membership-based program, RLF was dedicated to improving the economics of local florists through cooperative efforts. They targeted these efforts through education, advertising and equitable trading among florists.
Recognizing the value of the funds raised and the importance of its impact, the Real Local Florists leadership team chose to direct its remaining resources to AFE, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the floral community.
“We wanted to ensure that Real Local Florists’ strong effort and journey lived on in perpetuity with a focus on providing for the education of retail florists. The Endowment provides an opportunity for funds to have a lasting and meaningful impact,” said Hoogasian.
Real Local Florists allocated its gift to the newly-established Ken and Jean Royer Family Fund through AFE, which promotes floral industry education for retail florists by sponsoring participation in live conferences and events. This Fund offers a travel reimbursement grant annually to support retail florists. The annual grant is designed to facilitate ongoing education and networking at industry events, particularly for individuals facing financial barriers to participation. It assists in defraying the expenses associated with attending educational conferences, which provide essential business development opportunities. This travel grant aligns with the RLF’s historical focus on education and collaboration.
“The Real Local Florists’ generous donation is a testament to its dedication to the floral industry,” said Debi Chedester, executive director of AFE. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue its legacy – highlighting and preserving the rich history of learning and cooperation that continues to shape the floral sector.”
This impactful donation reflects the Real Local Florists’ respect for the past achievements of the floral industry and aims to inspire future generations. As the floral community continues to evolve, contributions like this make it possible for AFE’s resources to expand and adapt to growing needs.
