By Marisa Guerrero AIFD, CFD
You’ve heard the phrase “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” The John F. Kennedy quote applies to any organization you are a part of, including AIFD.
AIFD Foundation CEO, Lynn Lary McLean AIFD put it this way, “We all do what we can to support programs we find of interest, and when we do find that purpose, we understand the meaning of truly making a difference.”
For years, the AIFD Foundation has relied on the support of floral industry professionals to make a difference in the lives of others. At the 2022 Symposium, the Friends of the AIFD Foundation initiative was launched to strengthen the program of work of the AIFD Foundation so that these educational opportunities may continue to grow.
When you donate and become a Friend of the AIFD Foundation, your contribution is truly three fold. One, this program will strengthen the AIFD Foundation’s program of work so that tens of thousands of dollars may continue to expand their support of education within the floral industry. Two, your AIFD Chapter can win $1,000 to provide regional education! Three, we know that education strengthens an industry and thus brings it all back to you. A stronger industry means a stronger place for you to build your career and continue to make a difference, both personally and professionally.
It’s good to have a basic understanding of what the AIFD Foundation is and what it does so that you can feel good about where your donations go. The AIFD Foundation is a 501c3 organization, that maintains endowed & established funds, governed by a Board of Trustees. The interest & dividends earned from the investment of those funds are distributed as scholarships & grants that support floral design students, aspiring florists and those committed to the profession.
Now, to the part where your contribution can give back many times over. Each contribution will be counted toward your Region’s total donations. The Region, with the most funds raised, will receive a $1,000 educational grant. Additionally, the Region with the most participation will also receive a $1,000 educational grant.
AIFD Foundation Trustee Kevin Coble AIFD, who developed the concept for Friends of the AIFD Foundation says, “We feel that we are off to a great start! Those who became a Friend of the AIFD Foundation, during the 2022 AIFD Symposium, have already contributed significantly. These donations will be counted toward their Region’s totals.”
There are three ways to give to become a Friend of the AIFD Foundation. You can donate annually, automatically each month, or as a one-time bequest. Click here or visit the AIFD Foundation website to contribute. Your contribution will be added to your AIFD Foundation Hall of Fame cumulative account.
As McLean says, “The support that ‘Friends’ brings will secure our overall program of work just as the Endowed Funds have secured Grants and Scholarships awarded for a specific purpose. The pandemic caused us all to pause. In the case of the AIFD Foundation, the pause led to new opportunities in education and new possibilities to secure our program of work.” Now is the time to visit the AIFD Foundation website and become a Friend of the AIFD Foundation through a donation annually, monthly, or through a one-time bequest. Any way you choose, you will be supporting the AIFD Foundation and their body of work, giving back to the floral industry, and boosting the chance for your Regional Chapter to win a $1,000 educational grant.
