{"id":7529,"date":"2016-05-25T18:34:46","date_gmt":"2016-05-26T01:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7529"},"modified":"2016-05-25T15:37:46","modified_gmt":"2016-05-25T22:37:46","slug":"dream-foundations-flower-empower-luncheon-blooms-with-goodwill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7529","title":{"rendered":"Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower Luncheon Blooms With Goodwill"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Enjoying

Enjoying the Dream Foundation Flower Empower Luncheon (L-R): Bryce Corcoran; Stefani Canin-Mullen, Dream Foundation Events & Special Projects Director; Karen Kerns; Colleen Barnett-Taylor, Rose Sponsor; Jennifer Darling; Alisa Hall; Renee Grubb and Natalie Campbell. Photo: Kiel Rucker Photography.<\/p><\/div>\n

Celebrating a beautiful cause in a beautiful place has become a\u00a0yearly\u00a0tradition for Dream Foundation’s\u00a0Flower Empower Luncheon<\/a>, and the\u00a06th annual gathering at\u00a0the Historic Bates Ranch House<\/a> overlooking Rincon Point<\/a> was certainly something special.\u00a0More than 200 local community members gathered on\u00a0May 19 to support the\u00a0volunteers who assemble and deliver more than 150 fresh bouquets each week throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.<\/p>\n

The f\u00eate<\/em>\u00a0raises funds and acknowledges the volunteers, sponsors and growers who make Dream Foundation\u2019s Flower Empower program possible and is always a joy to attend. Not only do guests make their own bouquets\u2014which are delivered to hospitals, hospices, cancer centers, and personal residences later that week\u2014this year we were also treated to tours of the of the historic Bates Ranch, which was originally part of a 1,200-acre Spanish land grant that included half of Rincon Point. Built in 1928, the charming, panoramic view ranch house is now available for vacation and event rentals.<\/p>\n

\"Snippets

Snippets of the historic Bates Ranch House and views, photos by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

The luncheon, emceed by long-time Dream Foundation<\/a> supporter, Ivana Firestone<\/a> (whose adorable daughter Anja was seated near me on the bus that took us from the beach parking to the ranch) and KEYT Channel 3\u2019s Alan Rose<\/a>, featured an exquisite ocean view, silent auction, a raffle that included a 7-day Holland America Line Caribbean cruise, excellent\u00a0cuisine from\u00a0Rincon Catering<\/a>, and a lively fundraising activity that garnered $15,000 worth of generous donations in just\u00a0five minutes.<\/p>\n

Dream Foundation\u2019s Chief Executive Officer Kisa Heyer<\/a> honored and awarded the 2016 Flower Empower program sponsors: Diane & Tim Brown, Lisa & George Hagerman, Nissrin Mahmoud & Bob Fuladi and Alison Wrigley Rusack & Geoffrey Rusack, whose donations will fund the program throughout the year. Also honored were\u00a0Yoze Van Wingerden, Grower of the Year; Jan & Jay Anderson, Volunteers of the Year; and Delaney Werner, Youth Volunteer of the Year.<\/p>\n

\"Dream

Dream Foundation’s Valerie Banks gives flowers to Yoze Van Wingerden, 2016 Grower of the Year. Photo by Kelly Sweda Photography.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cFlower Empower enriches our entire community,\u201d Heyer says. \u201cA gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers, artisanal chocolates, homemade cookies and a thoughtful card can make an enormous difference to our neighbors in need. This simple gesture makes an incredible impact not only on those we serve but also to those who help make this program possible. There is nothing more amazing than a community coming together to help one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flower Empower<\/a> is a volunteer-driven program that delivers hope and compassion\u2014in the form of beautiful bouquets\u2014to those in need. Groups of volunteers prepare dozens of arrangements using donated flowers and make deliveries to hospitals, hospices, cancer centers, and personal residences. In addition to abundant bouquets, flower recipients enjoy fresh-baked cookies, fine chocolates, and\u00a0cards hand made by local school children. For more information\u00a0or to refer a flower recipient, contact flowerempower@dreamfoundation.org<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Guests

Guests prepare bouquets at the Dream Foundation Flower Empower Luncheon, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.<\/p><\/div>\n

Dream Foundation\u00a0is\u00a0the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults. The organization fulfills final dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. \u00a0<\/span>For more information, please visit DreamFoundation.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2014Leslie Dinaberg<\/p>\n

\"Dream

Dream Foundation Flower Empower Luncheon by Kelly Sweda Photography.<\/p><\/div>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine<\/em><\/a> on May 24, 2016.<\/p>\n

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