By Nicola Parker AIFD, CFD, TMFA
I am truly honored to be the acting President of AIFD South Central Region during 2020-2021 “The Year of Frankie”. From my first days in the floral industry I have heard stories about Frankie Shelton AIFD. She is no less than a living legacy right here in Houston, Texas. At 96 years of age she is still as witty and sharp as she has ever been, and don’t believe for a minute that she doesn’t have an eye and ear out on every aspect of the industry that she helped transform for over 50 years.
Although I have lived less than 4 miles from her (unbeknown to me) for 15 years, the first time I met her was at my very first symposium in 2014 in Chicago. I attended a cocktail party and there she was sitting pretty at a table surrounded by people. I waited patiently to speak to her and finally introduced myself. She shook my hand and said “Oh Honey, I know who you are.” I was surprised, but after I have gotten to know her a bit, of course she did. She has been a force in the floral arena for all these years, why would she stop at 96 years young, she knows exactly what’s going on at all times!
She is so talented and still to this day doing speaking engagements to help future florists. Allied Florists of Houston had the pleasure to host a “Legacy” program a few years back with Frankie and Jim Johnson AIFD as our guests. It was truly a night to remember and a time to cherish forever since we have lost our beloved Jim Johnson.
She is a past president of AIFD and the reason and force behind the regional setup of AIFD. What an honor it would be for us to fund this scholarship and as President of South Central I am promising that it is my mission to get this done.
There have been so many wonderful people stepping up to help contribute from Charlie Groppetti AIFD starting a T-shirt sale with Frankie-isms printed on them. Ralph Null AIFD has taken some of Frankie’s original paintings and made the most beautiful note cards from them and there are so many other people who have stepped up including a very generous donation from Robin Martinez CFD, a past student of Frankie’s school, and now an owner of a thriving business of her own, in addition to many corporate donations.
When we started the “Year of Frankie” we were in danger of her scholarship being liquidated due to lack of funding and we still needed $12,000.00. With the help of all of the amazing people who are stepping up we’re getting closer and closer every day.
We are currently just a tad over $6,000.00 away from our $25,000.00 Goal! WE CAN DO THIS! I am excited about all the opportunities that are coming our way through education, online donations, and the Frankie Shelton Cup competition. All proceeds go towards the scholarship and the winner will receive a Symposium Registration, and get to see Frankie Shelton on stage awarding the first recipient of her Scholarship.
We have had an unprecedented year with the COVID-19 virus and mass layoffs, social distancing, businesses closing, and many employees being laid off or completely losing their jobs. It has been a year to remember, no doubt. But we have been on a mission to fund this scholarship and the South Central Region is doing everything they can to make this dream come true for our true Yellow Rose of Texas.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events and learning opportunities on our Facebook page and Instagram accounts. If you are inclined to donate, please visit the AIFD Foundation website to contribute at any time, just make sure you designate the donation for Frankie Shelton’s Fund.
