Every October, the floral industry sets aside one day to do what flowers do best: make people happy. Petal It Forward is the Society of American Florists’ goodwill initiative, and for the last eleven years, thousands of floral industry members in all 50 states have organized their teams on one day in October to hand two flowers or bouquets to an unsuspecting stranger, urging them to keep one and share the other. SAF calls it a powerful way to illustrate the positive health benefits of giving and receiving flowers.

This year’s event took place on October 14, with more than 800 participants, and our California team brought that spirit home to Lompoc.

Flowers for Lompoc’s Caregivers and Educators

CFG employees Yvette and Suzanne brought 80 bouquets to Lompoc Valley Medical Center and the Lompoc Unified School District office.

At the hospital, word spread fast. Nurses on the surgical ward lined up for bouquets, and the Labor and Delivery team called colleagues over so everyone could get one. Staff at the school district office were just as delighted.

Several people said they couldn’t remember the last time someone gave them flowers.

“It was a nice reminder of how much a simple gesture can mean,” Yvette shared. For the team, it was a rewarding way to share a little happiness with people who do so much for Lompoc every day.

Thank you to Yvette and Suzanne for representing CFG, and to every nurse, educator, and staff member who let us brighten their day.

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