News
R.I.S.E. to Support: 2023 Fundraising Campaign
May 15, 2023
2023 Fundraising Campaign
Held Virtually Between Monday, May 15th – Friday, June 30th
R.I.S.E. up to support the floral industry! In an effort to continue to increase support for important research, education, and other floriculture programs to advance our industry, AFE is conducting our annual virtual fundraising campaign. This year’s new campaign theme touts the overall tagline of R.I.S.E., representing AFE’s core programs: Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education for the floral industry. These resources are vital to the ongoing growth of floral; We are welcoming the industry to R.I.S.E. up with us to help fund ongoing success and support for all segments, ages, and levels. AFE can only continue to provide funding and programs for our industry with the support of those whom we serve. Together we can make a difference for all!
The Endowment celebrates and thanks the many industry supporters, sponsors, and friends who contributed to this year’s annual fundraiser, R.I.S.E to Support. Over $137,000 was raised in support of the floral industry through the Endowment through the campaign. In addition to the incredible campaign effort, three named funds were also established, which will be announced at the AFE Friends of Floral Reception In September. Over $100,000 was contributed toward AFE’s scholarships and Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant Fund. These additional funds made the overall total of new funds raised $272,841. Read more on the 2023 Campaign Results and please take a look at our complete list of sponsors below.
NEW Named Funds Established During Campaign
- Carlstedt’s LLC Fund Re-Established
- The Pérez Villegas Family Fund
- Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship Fund
Thank you to our Diamond Sponsors!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
Thank you to our Gold sponsors!
Thank you to our Gold sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
- Bachman’s
- Cactus Flower Florists
- Conner Park Florist, Inc.
- Dr. John Dole
- Flowers by George, Inc.
- Gardens America
- Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center
- Stadium Flowers
- Anne & Brent Stewart
- The Southern California Flower Market
- Sun Valley Floral Farms
Copper Sponsors
- Arizona Family Florist
- Laura Barth
- Dr. Mark Bridgen
- Debi Chedester
- Coastal Wholesale Florist, Inc.
- Sten & Maryann Crissey
- Dr. John Erwin
- Dr. Jim Faust
- Florabundance
- Floral Finance Business Services
- Francis Biddle International
- Freytag’s Florist
- Gainan’s Floral & Greenhouses
- Grand Central Floral
- Dr. Mary Hausbeck
- Jimmy’s Flowers Inc.
- Dr. Michelle Jones
- Dwight & Dawn Larimer
- Dr. Roberto Lopez
- Dr. Marvin Miller
- Terril & Cathy Nell
- North Creek Nurseries
- Dr. Bruce Parker
- Patterson’s Flowers Inc.
- Penny’s By Plaza Flowers
- Phillip’s Flower Shops
- PJ’s Flowers & Events
- Robertson’s Flowers
- San Francisco Flower Mart
- Dr. Margaret Skinner
- Sparks Florist, Inc.
- Tradewinds International, LLC
- Viviano Flower Shop
- Walter Knoll Florist
- Zeidler Floral Company, Inc.
Your donation to AFE helps increase funding for:
- Research to produce healthier, longer-lasting flowers and plants.
- Internships to recruit tomorrow’s leaders and provide hands-on training for young professionals.
- Scholarships to foster education and empower the next generation to choose careers in our industry.
- Education to provide ongoing learning opportunities and knowledge to all industry members at all levels.
“Your donation to AFE will lead to returns that help all businesses in this industry, including your own. No matter what segment of the industry your business is in, the Endowment’s investments in research, educational activities, and scholarships are helping us all!” states Dr. Marvin Miller, Ball Horticultural Company.
Our 2023 Fundraising Campaign features many Sponsorship Opportunities. Sponsorship Benefits include promotional opportunities, featured job postings on AFE’s Career Center, and recognition across AFE’s communications.
Look ahead to a bright future, as AFE shares innovative research on new advances, scholarships and internships for the next generation of leaders, grants to enable the continued education of all industry members, and more. We are so grateful for industry support, and thank all of our sponsors! Take a look at our complete list of Sponsors below. R.I.S.E. up and make a donation TODAY!
Important Note: Those interested in a Diamond Sponsorship will note that the Diamond level includes an event sponsorship for AFE’s reception at SAF’s convention exclusive to that tier. More information will be available on this event soon. Our event will include special recognition of our incredible sponsors and supporters, an update on AFE’s new programs and resources, and networking opportunities. Diamond Sponsors will be highlighted at this event as “Event Sponsors” and have placement on signage, and the opportunity to provide printed table materials.
If you aren’t able to participate as a sponsor, we still welcome contributions of any size to support our efforts and will consider you a Friend of the Endowment. Every dollar counts!
If you would like to mail a check, you can download and print the sponsorship form here. On behalf of the AFE Trustees and staff, thank you for your continued support of the work we do. It is only through industry support that we are able to continue to serve our floral community.
Who We Are:
Our dedicated Board of Trustees and Staff will be contacting floral industry organizations and individuals to support our annual fundraising campaign. Remember, the campaign only runs through June 30th, so please sign up early! Of course, donations to AFE can be made at any time and are tax-deductible. And…Be sure to assign your donation to one of our Trustees or Staff. They are divided into Teams this year and are a competitive bunch!
Thank you for your consideration and support. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at afe@endowment.org or 703-838-5211.
