AFE Fundraising Dinner Celebrates Success, Raises Almost $20,000

afe-fundraising-dinnerThe American Floral Endowment (AFE)’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the 2016 Annual Fundraising Dinner, did more than just honor industry champions. It also raised nearly $20,000 for floriculture.

The dinner, attended by almost 300 industry members, was held on Sept. 22 in conjunction with the Society of American Florists’ Annual Convention in Maui, HI.

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The event included the screening of AFE’s new video that highlights floriculture success stories, a recognition of donors reaching new giving levels, and live Hawaiian entertainment.

One of the highlights of the evening recognized five families/organizations that created new named funds.
BioWorks Fund ($50,000): The focus of BioWorks has consistently been on providing environmentally-responsible, safe and effective products and tailored programs for managing plant diseases, pests, nutrition, and health, and on providing knowledge and leadership to their distribution partners and growers. BioWorks also partnered with AFE in 2007 by creating the BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship that awards students with $1,000 per year.
Blackmore Family Fund ($100,000): Blackmore Company is a producer and distributor of horticulture supplies and equipment. Founded by Fred Blackmore Sr. in 1966 and currently managed by his son, Skip, and his grandson, Scott, it recently celebrated 50 years in the business.
Carlstedt’s LLC Fund ($27,000). Distributors of quality cut flowers and floral accessories, Carlstedt’s LLC has 15 locations in six states serving the Southeast U.S.
Tagawa Family Fund ($105,000). The Tagawa family has three main companies: Tagawa Greenhouses, the production company producing young plants; Tagawa Gardens, a premier garden center in Colorado; and Ball Tagawa Growers, a partnership with Ball Horticultural Company producing young plants for the West Coast market. The Tagawa family recognizes the importance of giving back to the industry and staying involved. Ken Tagawa is a past AFE Trustee and SAF Floriculture Hall of Fame recipient, and his son, Randy, currently serves on AFE’s Board.
Yoshimi and Grace Shibata Family Fund ($200,000). Founded by a contribution from the Shibata family, the fund honors the legacy of Yoshimi “Shimi” and his wife, Grace, and their accomplishments in the floral industry. Shimi, who passed away on Oct. 31, 2015, served on the AFE Board of Trustees and the boards of several other industry organizations.

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