{"id":24228,"date":"2026-02-25T11:44:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/endowment.org\/?post_type=news&p=24228"},"modified":"2026-03-02T19:06:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T19:06:27","slug":"celebrating-milestones-2026","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/endowment.org\/es\/news\/celebrating-milestones-2026","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Milestones: Special Anniversaries in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, we take time to recognize and celebrate the meaningful milestones that reflect long-term commitments to our industry. In 2026, as the American Floral Endowment (AFE) celebrates 65 years of supporting research, education, and industry growth, we are also honored to recognize several Named Funds reaching significant anniversaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These funds represent decades of vision, generosity, and belief in the future of floriculture. From scholarships that support students finding their path to research funds that improve flower quality and longevity, each has played an important role in advancing our industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 35 Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For over three decades, the Carlson-Johnson Scholarship has helped open doors for students taking nontraditional paths into floriculture. Barbara Carlson, along with her husband Will, was instrumental in establishing Bedding Plant International (BPI), serving hundreds of growers. Fran Johnson enjoyed a long career with the John Henry Co. in Lansing, MI, and contributed significant time and talent through BPI to advance the greenhouse industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scholarship is awarded to students re-entering school after a minimum three-year absence who are interested in bedding and\/or floral crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 30 Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Marking its pearl anniversary, the Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship reflects an entrepreneurial legacy rooted in opportunity and innovation. This scholarship honors Jacob Van Namen, who built a multimillion-dollar wholesale floriculture business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scholarship is intended to develop knowledgeable, creative individuals who will improve the floriculture industry. Recipients must have a career interest in agribusiness marketing and distribution of floral products and be of sophomore, junior, or senior standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Van Namen, Jacob\u2019s son, states, \u201cThere will always be a need to supply the consumer with fresh flowers and decorative products. It will require initiative and creativity to determine where the floral supply chain is going. But we also need the research projects being funded by AFE and AFE\u2019s support for the next generation. The next crop of students and future leaders is going to bring new concepts to the industry if we can give them a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 15 Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant has expanded access to professional development for retail florists. Established through generous contributions from Herman and LaDonna Meinders, longtime industry members and AFE supporters, this fund builds upon the first-ever AFE Named Fund created by the couple in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHerman and LaDonna paved the way to encourage others to support AFE\u2019s overall mission of providing for the future of the floral industry. Since that time, more than 30 additional named funds have been created,\u201d said AFE\u2019s Executive Director Debi Chedester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grant supports reduced or free registration fees to floral industry events for retail florists by providing scholarships to nonprofit floral organizations. The fund is fully sustainable and continues to grow, increasing access to valuable education across the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 10 Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Egon and Laina Molbak Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 The Egon and Laina Molbak Fund celebrates a decade of honoring a family legacy built on entrepreneurship and horticultural excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After immigrating from Denmark, Egon and Laina Molbak established what would become Molbak\u2019s Garden + Home in Woodinville, WA. The family-owned business attracted more than one million visitors annually and served the industry for 67 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tagawa Family Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 The Tagawa Family Fund embodies multi-generational industry leadership and support. The Tagawa family began in 1967, producing vegetable transplants, and today operates Tagawa Greenhouses, Tagawa Gardens, and Ball Tagawa Growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCollaboration and working together are vital to build and sustain a strong industry. Over the years, the American Floral Endowment has aimed to unify businesses with common interests, create opportunities for both researchers and professionals, and provide a community to help solve challenges that affect growers worldwide,\u201d remarks Randy Tagawa, CEO of Tagawa Greenhouse. \u201cThis is why the Tagawa family and companies have been proud to support AFE through three generations.  We are very excited to continue participating in AFE\u2019s future.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blackmore Family Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Blackmore Family Fund reflects decades of dedication to horticultural supplies and industry service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1966 by Fred Blackmore Sr., they have been a leader in plant production technologies for over 50 years. Blackmore Company is now led by the second and third generations, with a team that includes employees who have served the company for more than 30 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Scotts Miracle-Gro Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scotts Miracle-Gro dates back to 1868 and is the world\u2019s largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The company is dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to express themselves on their own piece of the Earth. The company has supported AFE and our programs since 1983.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating 5 Years<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Joseph H. Hill Memorial Research Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Joseph H. Hill Memorial Research Fund continues a legacy of support for greenhouse cut flower research. Established by the Joseph H. Hill Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, the fund ensures ongoing investment in research benefiting the commercial cut flower and floriculture industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Joseph H. Hill Memorial Foundation was formed in 1961 to support the industry through research grants, publications, and meetings. It discontinued activities in 2021 but established this fund with AFE to continue the legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suntory Flowers \u201cDream Big\u201d Scholarship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Suntory Flowers \u201cDream Big\u201d Scholarship celebrates five years of encouraging students to pursue innovation in floriculture. Based in Japan, Suntory Flowers is a world-class breeding company dedicated to innovation and enriching lives by creating a world that\u2019s alive with flowers. Suntory\u2019s guiding philosophy is \u201cYatte Minahare\u201d \u2013 the spirit of bold ambition to dream big, take challenges and never give up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn addition to providing the much-needed financial support, we really enjoy hosting the recipient at Cultivate. It opens their eyes to the broader industry and possibilities. They can take advantage of the educational programs and trade show, as well as be recognized at GPN\u2019s 40 Under 40 celebration. We\u2019ve hosted students from Auburn, Colorado State, College of Dupage, and the University of Georgia. It has been nice to make a personal connection and encourage them in their endeavors,\u201d states Delilah Onofrey, Marketing Director of Suntory Flowers North America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifetime Recognition Milestones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to these fund anniversaries, we are proud to recognize the following organizations and individuals on reaching new lifetime giving levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n