The Retail Florist Continued Education Grant<\/strong><\/a> was established by Bob and Carol Sharpe, retired third-generation florists from Frederick, Maryland. Sharpe\u2019s Flowers was considered a Frederick landmark since 1930 and was in business for 84 years. Bob and Carol closed their shop, Sharpe\u2019s Flowers, in 2014 when they retired. Like many retailers, Bob and Carol struggled with finding the time to get out of the shop to attend industry events or continue their education. \u201cIn an industry where businesses are handed down from generation to generation, continued education is vital for success,\u201d said Bob. Bob and Carol wanted to help floral businesses succeed, so they worked with the Endowment to create this fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m honored to be selected for the Arizona Retail Florist Travel Grant from AFE! This opportunity allows me to continue my education and connect with industry leaders at the SAF Next Gen Conference in Dallas this upcoming February. Excited to learn, grow, and bring fresh ideas back to our community!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n \u201cFirst, I would like to thank the American Floral Endowment for choosing me to receive this travel grant. I\u2019m incredibly excited and grateful. I\u2019m looking forward to being able to experience the 2025 AIFD Symposium in July. This grant will help me fund the experience. Again, thank you!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n \u201cReceiving this grant helps to keep me creatively inspired and challenged professionally by attending the AIFD National Symposium. The annual symposium is my way of keeping current on the latest information, trends, design skills, and materials for the floral industry. I acquired a ‘floramily’ when I became a member of AIFD 15 years ago. This incredible network of talented people has become my go-to source for support and inspiration for my career and business.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2024 National Symposium was especially meaningful since it was the first one I had been able to attend since 2019. Being among my peers was a much-needed boost for my emotional and creative self. The presenters were exceptional. One of my favorites was Nicolaus Peters from Germany, a talented and humble man. His concepts and design skills were exceptional. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another wonderfully inspiring program was by Marlin Hargrove AIFD, which included a tear-inducing patriotic finale featuring a salute to the armed forces. Marlin’s Veteran father ( who is in his late 80s, wearing his full army uniform) presented the American flag while playing the National Anthem\u2014a lasting memory for certain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This grant will enable me to plan on attending the 2025 National Symposium in Palm Springs, CA, where I experienced my first symposium. It will be so exciting to come full circle with this wonderful group of talented people who value floral education so highly. I look forward to having my creative battery recharged! Thank you for recognizing the importance of continuing education for our industry.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Are you looking to grow your skills and knowledge at an upcoming industry event? The deadline to apply for AFE\u2019s travel grants is October 1st<\/strong> each year. Grants are reviewed annually, and funding is dependent on the number of available resources. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, Haz clic aqu\u00ed.<\/a><\/strong> These grants\u2014and the opportunities they provide\u2014are made possible through the generosity of industry contributors. By donating to AFE, you help foster growth, innovation, and success in the floral industry. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","news-categories":[53,31,29,41],"class_list":["post-21488","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","news-categories-grants","news-categories-latest-news","news-categories-news","news-categories-florist-event"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMeet This Year\u2019s Recipients<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"2024](\"https:\/\/endowment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Dani-Headshot-2023-2-683x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDani Pritt, AzMF – Cactus Flower Florists in Scottsdale, AZ <\/strong>
Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant<\/h6>\n\n\n\nMegan Hellmann, AzMF – Mountain High Flowers in Sedona, AZ<\/strong>
Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant<\/h6>\n\n\n\n![\"2024](\"https:\/\/endowment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Megan-Hellman-1024x990.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLori Himes AIFD, CFD – Abloom, Ltd Flowers & Events in Frederick, MD<\/strong>
The Retail Florist Continued Education Grant <\/h6>\n\n\n\n![\"2024](\"https:\/\/endowment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/42981109_10214495064148612_4682473809679220736_n.jpg\")
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