News
Floral Industry Unites for Record-Breaking R.I.S.E. Campaign
July 22, 2026
More Than $150,000 Raised by Over 130 Donors to Invest in the Future of Floriculture
The 2026 R.I.S.E. to Support campaign is proof that when the floral industry rallies around a shared purpose, remarkable things happen. More than 130 donors came together to contribute over $150,000, surpassing the campaign’s $120,000 goal and making this the most successful R.I.S.E. to Support campaign in its history.
Held annually by the American Floral Endowment (AFE), R.I.S.E. to Support unites individuals and businesses from across the floral industry in support of research, internships, scholarships, and education. Together, these investments provide the knowledge, opportunities, and resources needed to strengthen floriculture for generations to come.
This year’s campaign was especially meaningful as AFE is celebrating its 65th anniversary. The record-breaking level of participation reflects the industry’s shared commitment to supporting students, advancing research, expanding educational opportunities, and preparing the next generation of floral leaders. From growers and retailers to wholesalers, suppliers, growers, and allied partners, the campaign demonstrates what can be accomplished when the industry works together toward a common goal.
“This year’s campaign reflects the power of industry involvement,” said AFE Chairman David Garcia of Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group. “The record level of participation shows that our industry understands the importance of investing in what comes next. Every donor became part of something much bigger than a fundraising campaign.”
The impact of this year’s campaign will extend far beyond the fundraising total. The support generated through R.I.S.E. allows for increased annual funding to meet the evolving needs of the floral industry. AFE’s 2026 funding impacts the industry through providing more than 30 students with scholarships and internships, funding research projects at universities across the country, and supporting educational programs and industry events through grants.
While this year’s results are certainly worth celebrating, the true success of the campaign lies in the people behind it. Every donor plays a role in creating new opportunities for students, researchers, educators, and fellow floral professionals through AFE’s programs.
AFE extends its sincere gratitude to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, Trustee, and advocate who helped make this historic campaign possible. Your generosity is helping cultivate the next generation of industry leaders, advance meaningful research, and ensure floriculture continues to thrive.
To view the complete list of 2026 R.I.S.E. to Support supporters, learn more about the annual campaign, or to make a contribution to AFE, visit https://endowment.org/rise2026.
