By Angelyn Tipton AIFD CFD GMF, AIFD Southern Chapter President
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Body Flower Contest. Witnessing the incredible creativity displayed in each entry was truly inspiring. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Kelly Mace at Smither’s Oasis, who not only provided the generous prize package but also served as one of the esteemed judges alongside Kenneth Snauwaert and Varito Vasquez AIFD. Your expertise and commitment added immense value to the competition.
A resounding congratulations to Michelle Rhynes, whose exceptional talent earned her the well-deserved victory. Michelle will be rewarded with Smithers Oasis Products and complimentary registration to the upcoming Gather event. It’s also worth noting the impressive tie for 2nd place between Lea Romanowski CAFA, AIFD, and Mattie Young AIFD, CFD. The competition was fierce, and your outstanding efforts did not go unnoticed.
For those who didn’t secure a spot in the top three, your remarkable work deserves commendation. As the saying goes, the lessons learned from participating and not winning often outweigh those gained from victory. The growth and experience garnered in the process are invaluable. I can personally attest to this, having found myself at the bottom in past competitions.
Looking ahead, the Southern Chapter is gearing up for its next exciting venture – Phoenix Rising, a virtual art exhibit. This unique event serves as a fundraiser for the David Shover Fund. Participation is simple: make a donation to the David Shover Fund and share images of your interpretation of a rising phoenix. Designs can be showcased indoors or outdoors, with the goal of raising awareness for AIFD. Take a moment to explore the creativity displayed in previous Phoenix Rising events and get inspired for this year’s contributions. Learn more here: aifdfoundation.org/phoenixrising
The grand finale for the year will be the much-anticipated Gather event. An immersive educational weekend awaits attendees, complete with hands-on programs, captivating stage shows, a Mock PFDE, and more. The festivities will commence with a bonfire and s’mores, setting the tone for a memorable retreat weekend. Hosted at the picturesque FFA Camp in Covington, GA, overlooking a serene lake, this all-inclusive glamping event promises to be a bonding experience with both familiar and new faces in the floral community. Early registration is encouraged to secure accommodations at the camp.
Stay updated on all our upcoming events by following us on social media. Your engagement and enthusiasm are vital as we continue to foster creativity, camaraderie, and growth within the Southern Chapter community. We look forward to the continued success of our events and the shared passion for floral design that unites us all.
