2016 Fundraising Dinner a Big Success in Maui

AFE’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the 2016 Annual Fundraising Dinner, was an exciting and momentous evening, honoring industry champions and raising money for floriculture.The dinner, attended by nearly 300 industry members, was held on Sept. 22 in conjunction with the Society of American Florists’ Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii.The event included the screening of AFE’s new video that highlights floriculture success stories, recognizing donors reaching new giving levels, and live Hawaiian entertainment.The highlight of the evening recognized five families/organizations that created new named funds. Over the past five years, 19 named funds have been created, totaling more than $3.5 million. View more photos here.Thank You!2016 Dinner SponsorsReception SponsorTelefloraEntertainment SponsorFTD, Inc.FloralsEquiflor/Rio RosesYoung Professional Council Table SponsorAsocolfloresTable HostsAccent DécorAsocolfloresBloomNetDelaware Valley…

Tribute Established in Memory of Gene and Evelyn Yoshihara

After joining the U.S. Navy and serving his military duty, he returned to Lafayette and the family farm, where he learned about the greenhouse business.Gene was an active member of the floral industry, mentoring growers and building high-tech greenhouses. He and his wife Evelyn consistently supported AFE throughout their lifetime. In 2002, they were inducted into the Colorado Floriculture Hall of Fame.Evelyn Kodama-Yoshihara greatly contributed to the growth of Lafayette Florist. She was a Hawaii native who came to Colorado to go to college and teach elementary school but changed careers quickly as her husband’s florist grew and needed a financial mind. Evelyn taught dozens of floral associates to become accomplished designers including her daughter Sandi-Yoshihara-Sniff, AIFD, AAF, CFP.  Evelyn…

AFE Welcomes New Trustees, Chairman

Three new trustees have been appointed to AFE’s Board of Trustees, and a new Chairman, Dwight Larimer, will assume leadership at the Annual Fundraising Dinner, replacing outgoing Chairman Gabriel Becerra.The Endowment welcomes the following incoming trustees: David Boulton, AAF, PFCI of Flowers by George, Inc. in Arlington, Wash.Patrick Dahlson of Mayesh Wholesale Florist in Los Angeles, Calif.Michael A. Mellano, Ph.D., of Mellano & Company in San Luis Rey, Calif. David Boulton, AAF, PFCI has been in the floral industry for 35 years and is President of Flowers by George, Inc. in Arlington, Wash., a family-owned retail florist in northern Snohomish County. Boulton was a member of the Northwest Florists Association where he served on the board, including a term as President from…

Terril Nell and Jim Daly Receive Honors

Terril A. Nell, Ph.D.L to R: Joel Pesapane of Growing Green Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. and Terril Nell, Ph.D.AFE Research Coordinator Terril A. Nell, Ph.D., was recognized for his many contributions and achievements in the floral industry at Cultivate ’16.Nell was inducted into the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame during the Plantscape Awards Celebration in Columbus, Ohio on July 10.The AmericanHort Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals of integrity whose personal dedication provide great leadership in the development and growth of the interiorscape industry.Nell is professor emeritus in floriculture at the University of Florida (UF), and developed the UF postharvest program in 1983, which he credits AFE funding for making possible. He served as Chair…

New AFE Videos Tout Floriculture Successes

Five new AFE videos have been released highlighting floriculture successes through industry collaboration, support and participation.“Each video shares real stories from industry members on career development through scholarships and internships, and true examples of research solutions that have shaped how the industry operates today,” said Laura Shinall, President of Syndicate Sales, Inc., and AFE Public Relations and Development Chair.“We’re excited to be able to share some great success stories in an effort to increase industry participation.”The introductory video “Heard of the American Floral Endowment?” helps educate those who are not currently aware of AFE’s programs, while the remaining four segmented videos (retail, wholesale, grower, student/faculty) specifically share how Endowment programs complement each group and why it is so important that…

Where Are They Now: Cathy Araos

Meet Cathy Araos – former AFE Mosmiller intern turned biology co-teacher at Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill.Cathy AraosFor three years, Cathy has been educating students at Niles North about plant and soil science, greenhouse management and floral design.She is increasing awareness of the floriculture and horticulture industries, and doing so in fun ways. She hopes that her efforts will see an increase in participation from students.“I want to get students interested and excited about horticulture, and I want to make an impact,” said Cathy.“It’s very important that our students have educators or adults that support them in the projects they’re doing.”Cathy performed a Mosmiller Internship in 2002 at Kennicott Brothers Company and describes her internship as a “life-changing…

Industry Members Dine to Support The Tom Butler Family Fund

More than $2,300 was raised for The Tom Butler Family Fund at a fundraising dinner this week to honor the late industry icon Tom Butler.Nearly 20 industry members (who were attending the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days) attended the dinner on March 15, 2016 to honor Tom’s legacy in the floral industry.AFE supporter and longtime friend of Tom Butler, Tim Galea, organized the dinner at Tom’s favorite restaurant – The Capital Grille in Washington, D.C.The dinner will now become an annual fundraising event, to continue celebrating Tom’s lifetime achievements and raise money for his AFE named fund.A special thank you to those who attended the event, and those who were unable to attend but donated to The Tom…

New AFE Programs, Achievements Featured in 2014-2015 Annual Report

AFE has released its annual report, detailing its project allocations for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.“The annual report showcases the exciting new ways AFE’s efforts have been serving all industry segments,” said AFE Chairman Gabriel Becerra. “Industry support is critical to helping the Endowment provide programs that benefit everyone.”2014-2015 highlights include:Business Internship Program, introducing business students to the floral industry – NEW!Young Professionals Council, providing mentoring opportunities for young industry members – NEW!More than $500,000 in consumer and scientific research, floral design and educational grants, scholarships and internships.New named fundsFREE downloadable reports – Funeral Directors and Flowers Guide, Consumer Preference Studies, research studies on pests, diseases and others.Donor recognitions, audited financial statements, two new memorial tributes, fundraising dinner highlights, and more!Click here…

New Fund Honors the Legacy of Yoshimi and Grace Shibata

AFE announced the establishment of the Yoshimi and Grace Shibata Family Fund, honoring the late flower grower and wholesale florist Yoshimi “Shimi” Shibata and his wife Grace. Shimi passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 31 surrounded by family. The floral industry pioneer was 100 years old.Founded by a generous contribution from the Shibata family, this new named fund honors the lifetime legacy of Shimi and Grace and their accomplishments in the floral industry.“Shimi and the entire Shibata family have always been great champions of the industry,” said Executive Director Debi Aker. “We are honored that the family chose to establish this new fund honoring Shimi and the Shibata family through AFE.”Shimi was a past president of the Mt. Eden…

Christopher Currey Joins AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Committee

Christopher Currey, Ph.D. has been appointed as the newest member of AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Committee.Currey is an assistant professor at Iowa State University and works in the school’s horticulture department.As a member of the Ball Committee, Currey will be working with several AFE Trustees and other faculty members to review student applications for the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship and provide counsel to help promote the program to students.Currey obtained his Ph.D. from Purdue University and his master’s degree in science from the University of Minnesota. He has already received several awards throughout his career, including the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2012 from Purdue University’s Committee for the Education of Teaching Assistants (CETA). He is also…

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