News
Meet Our 2024 Travel Grant Recipients!
December 13, 2024
Every year, we award travel grants to support continued education and help industry professionals overcome financial barriers to attend educational events, like conferences, workshops, and programs. These opportunities allow them to learn cutting-edge techniques and trends to bring back to their businesses, benefiting their teams and communities.
This year, we are thrilled to celebrate three exceptional grant recipients who have been awarded funding through the Arizona Retail Florist Travel Grant and the Retail Florist Continued Education Travel Grant. These individuals showcase a passion for learning and a dedication to advancing the floral industry.
These grants are made possible by generous individuals who started the funds and grow each year with industry support. The Arizona Retail Floral Education Travel Grant was established from the defunct FTD District 8K with additional initial funding provided by Ken and Lynn Young of Phoenix Flower Shops and was created to provide support for traditional retail florists in Arizona to pursue floral industry educational or design events outside of the state of Arizona.
The Retail Florist Continued Education Grant was established by Bob and Carol Sharpe, retired third-generation florists from Frederick, Maryland. Sharpe’s Flowers was considered a Frederick landmark since 1930 and was in business for 84 years. Bob and Carol closed their shop, Sharpe’s 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. “In an industry where businesses are handed down from generation to generation, continued education is vital for success,” said Bob. Bob and Carol wanted to help floral businesses succeed, so they worked with the Endowment to create this fund.
Meet This Year’s Recipients
Dani Pritt, AzMF – Cactus Flower Florists in Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant
“I’m 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!”
Megan Hellmann, AzMF – Mountain High Flowers in Sedona, AZ
Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant
“First, I would like to thank the American Floral Endowment for choosing me to receive this travel grant. I’m incredibly excited and grateful. I’m looking forward to being able to experience the 2025 AIFD Symposium in July. This grant will help me fund the experience. Again, thank you!”
Lori Himes AIFD, CFD – Abloom, Ltd Flowers & Events in Frederick, MD
The Retail Florist Continued Education Grant
“Receiving 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.
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.
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—a lasting memory for certain.
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.”
Are you looking to grow your skills and knowledge at an upcoming industry event? The deadline to apply for AFE’s travel grants is October 1st 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, click here. These grants—and the opportunities they provide—are 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.
