President’s Message: Love, Friendship and Compassion

As we celebrate February’s focus on love and friendship, we as members of the American Institute of Floral Design are reminded of the powerful role flowers play in human connection. Our commitment to floral design extends beyond creating stunning arrangements; it is rooted in a deep desire to foster compassion and spread love in all its forms.

As we continue to support one another within our community, we encourage everyone to take a moment this month to reflect on how they can use the beauty of flowers to bring a little more love into the world.

From a single bloom to a designed bouquet or simply a small act of kindness, the message is clear: love and friendship are the heart of it all.

AIFD also emphasizes the importance of community and nurturing relationships. Whether it’s through mentorship, industry events, or collaborative projects, we strive to build a network where love, friendship, and support flourish. Our members are not only talented designers but also kind-hearted individuals who believe in the transformative power of flowers. We encourage one another to continuously grow in both our professional skills and our ability to spread compassion.

As we enter the month of February, a time when love, friendship, and compassion take center stage, we are reminded of the powerful impact that these qualities can have in our lives. It’s a time to celebrate the bonds that unite us, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. It’s also an opportunity to extend that same kindness and care to those in need.

This February, we invite you to show your compassion in a meaningful way by contributing to the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund. Many of our fellow floral professionals have been devastated by the recent natural disasters, including the California wildfires and the hurricanes of 2024. These catastrophic events have left many members of our community without homes, businesses, and essential resources.

Your generous donations can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by these tragedies.  The AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund awards grants to assist with physical damage to property resulting from a natural disaster. A few examples of support, in recent years, include replacing computers, sign repair and replacement, funds to assist with van repair or apply towards replacement, replace shelving and display fixtures, assist with overall basic interior needs to reopen and help towards insurance deductibles to enable receipt of the full scope of available insurance.

This month, as we celebrate love and friendship, let us come together to show the true meaning of compassion by supporting our colleagues who are facing some of their most difficult challenges. Every contribution, no matter the size, can have a profound impact on the lives of our members who need it most.

Please join us in making February a month of giving, kindness, and hope. Together, we can rebuild, support, and strengthen our floral community. Click on the link below tto learn more about this fund and how you can help!

Stay humble and kind…

Laurie Lemek

National AIFD President

https://www.aifdfoundation.org/catastrophicfund



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