Floral Therapy for Care Facilities

I have started a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Public Benefit Organization called White Glove Floral Donations. WG Floral Donations repurposes donated floral arrangements from weddings and events. The repurposed flowers are provided to residents and patients of nursing homes, hospices, hospitals and other medical facilities and are used for the purpose of floral therapy and group therapy. The beauty of WG Floral Donations is that it provides an opportunity for arrangements that would otherwise go to waste to be enjoyed all over again.  Residents and patients undergoing medical care and treatment can utilize the donated bouquets to brighten their living spaces or enjoy them as part of a group activity. The valuable role that floral therapy plays in the lives of patients and the elderly is increasingly recognized by gerontologists and care specialists. Therefore, in addition to floral donations, we will also offer floral design instruction to further enhance the recreational and therapeutic aspects of the experience.  It is our hope the donations and associated design activities will have a positive impact on the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of those it touches. Currently, Chaplaincy hospice care, Royal Columbian senior living community and Desert Wind Gardens adult family home will be participating in the program.  They have their ambulance services for picking up and delivering flowers to their respective facilities. The florists who make up the board of directors will hold floral classes to instruct staff of these locations and equipped them with the skills necessary to institute WG Floral Donations into their programs and activities. The directors of these care facilities will be using this program as a therapeutic activity. Individuals who donate to the WG Floral Donations will receive a letter/receipt for the dollar amount of floral donated in which the donor can use as tax credit. I plan to use this fund to supply nursing staff and care facilities with education and supplies to bring this foundation to fruition. The money will be used for the procurement of floral assembly materials and startup costs associated with the program.  Ideally, participating facilities will be provided with vases, floral sheers, and floral assembly materials to support the program.  In addition to providing materials, WG Floral Donations will aid in training for the staff of participating facilities. I have already established a board of directors, which includes three florists who participate with the White Glove Weddings Bridal Bar to perform training sessions.  Estimated costs associated include: · Nonprofit Filing Fees:$385 · Tax Preparation: $750.00 ·  Floral Supplies: Vases $1  Floral Foam (bulk) $19.98         Floral Tape  (bulk of 5) $17.99 Floral Shears  $5.99 The funding provided will be used towards initial startup costs for training and supplies required at each of the participating facilities, which will go a long way in boosting the spirts and lives of those Tri-Citians in need. Supporting the community and making it a better place is important to me on a personal level. With so many beautiful bouquets and arrangements going to waste after their initial use, I know we can do better!  Ultimately, as someone who currently has a grandparent in hospice care, I have seen first hand what a blessing it can to provide our loved ones with one more moment of joy.  A last memory they can take with them as they pass into the next phase of their journey.  This is my wish for each delivery made by White Glove Floral Donations.  Thank you for your time and consideration in donating to my fund. Alexandra RoseLee