Petal It Forward Event a Hit for Both Industry Members and Consumers

Petal It Forward 2017If you didn’t participate in the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) annual Petal It Forward event last week (on October 11, to be exact), you missed out on what turned out to be a resounding success.

Last Wednesday, floral industry members in 467 cities in 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Canada, led 573 local Petal It Forward events. They randomly surprised people on the street with flowers.

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Lucky recipients received two bouquets — one to keep, and one to share with a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a complete stranger.

SAF’s Petal It Forward website includes links to how the event was covered via social media and in the consumer world across the country. In addition, here’s a report directly from Taylor Farms and Sakata Seed America, which surprised community members in Salinas, CA, with flower bouquets.

Taylor Farms and Sakata Pay It Forward

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Taylor Farms, North America’s largest producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, and Sakata Seed America, a leader in breeding and producing vegetable and flower seed, partnered together in participation of the Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward flower giveaway event in Salinas, CA. Participants surprised individuals on the street with two flower bouquets, encouraging them to keep one and gift the other. As an added bonus, Taylor Farms coupons were included in each bouquet.

“At the core of our values, and as part of our 40th anniversary celebration, Sakata Seed America is committed to supporting activities that aim to enhance life, the environment, and culture in our local communities, as well as across North America,” says Alecia Troy of Sakata. “Petal It Forward is a grass-roots, personal way to connect with others and spread the joy of flowers. Partnering with a caring company like Taylor Farms makes it even more meaningful.”

Special thanks also go to Kitayama Brothers and Green Valley Floral for donating flowers to the Petal It Forward project. Without their generous support, the event could not have happened.

“We were thrilled to receive the invitation from Sakata Seed America and the Society of America Florists to partner on this initiative,” said Katrina Gargiulo of Taylor Farms. “We take great pride in giving back to our local community and appreciate the opportunity to partake in this special program.”

A Message From One of the Recipients

Want a great example of the power behind Petal It Forward? Here’s a comment that was posted on the original GreenhouseGrower.com news story promoting the event:

“My boyfriend knew that today was going to be a difficult day for me, so he presented me with a bouquet (okay, well actually both!). Later, as my day went on and I unfortunately had to go to court, I was surprised to see two more bouquets sitting on a bench outside the courtroom! Our local florist, Allan’s Flowers, had left them as part of Petal it Forward. I loved the concept and it was such a pleasant distraction. As I was waiting to go into court, I saw a lady I hadn’t seen in awhile. She was down on her luck, and I could see that clearly. Her face lit up when I gave her one of the two bouquets! This project brightened my day and hers and I’m excited to have fresh flowers in my life…it’s been awhile since I have. Thank you for a beautiful concept that certainly spreads happiness!”

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