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<\/p>The Midwest Group, a floral industry trade association consisting of 15 leading florists nationwide, generously donated $1,500 to the Tom Butler Family Fund. The fund was established in 2014 by Tom and Becky Butler to provide general undesignated funds to the\u00a0American Floral Endowment\u00a0(AFE), prior to Tom\u2019s passing in August.<\/p>
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\u201cTom engendered a perception of familiarity and love even among casual acquaintances, and the sheer number of people who felt or imagined that bond is a staggering testament to the friendly and thoughtful man we lost,\u201d said Tim Galea, president of Norton\u2019s Flowers & Gifts and a member of the Midwest Group. \u201cTom was a once-in-a-generation leader who transcended the disharmony of business and earned everyone\u2019s friendship and respect with his genuine and consistent personality.\u201d<\/p>
This donation included contributions from Ballard Blossom in Seattle, Wash.; Beaverton Florist in Beaverton, Ore.; Flowers by Louis Hody in Nashville, Tenn.; Grohe\u2019s Florist in Santa Rosa, Calif.; Hall\u2019s Flower Shop in Stone Mountain, Ga.; Jimmy\u2019s Flowers in Ogden, Utah; Kittelberger Florist in Rochester, N.Y.; Norton\u2019s Flowers & Gifts in Ypsilanti, Mich.; Palace Florists in Washington, D.C.; Patterson\u2019s Flowers in Big Rapids, Mich.; Schaefer Greenhouses in Montgomery, Ill.; Scott\u2019s House of Flowers in Lawton, Okla.; Spark\u2019s Florist in Sparks, Nev.; Tiger Lily Flowers in Charleston, S.C.; and Tillie\u2019s Flower Shop in Wichita, Kan.<\/p>
Tom served on AFE\u2019s board of trustees for 10 years, including chairman for two years, and as the development chairman for four years. He was passionate about communicating how AFE-funded research and student programs benefit all segments of the industry. Galea challenges other individuals and floral groups to contribute to the Tom Butler Family Fund.<\/p>
\u201cI think it is important to show the industry\u2019s widespread affection for Tom by building and sustaining the family\u2019s named endowment in his memory,\u201d said Galea.<\/p>
\u201cI am overjoyed to see this contribution to the Tom Butler Family Fund by the Midwest Group honoring Tom,\u201d said AFE\u2019s Executive Director Debi Aker. \u201cTom whole-heartedly believed in the importance of AFE\u2019s programs that foster the next generation of floral leaders and the research to help solve critical industry issues.\u201d<\/p>
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