Flowers for Hospice
Flowers for Hospice
HomeCare & Hospice Foundation Celebrates Successful Bouquet Sale
Photo / HomeCare & Hospice
ALLEGANY - The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of its annual bouquet sale fundraiser, with community members across the region showing their generosity and support. This year's event saw an impressive 1,150 18-stem bouquets and 276 9-stem bouquets sold, helping to raise vital funds for hospice services.
Sales were strong in both the northern (Genesee and Wyoming Counties) and southern (Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties) regions, with the north accounting for 670 18-stem and 60 9-stem bouquets, while the south contributed 480 18-stem and 216 9-stem bouquets. Pre-sale orders were also robust, with 74 companies and individuals participating, 40 from the north and 34 from the south.
For comparison, in 2024, there were 538 pre-sale orders in the north and 543 in the south (only 18-stem bouquets were available). This year’s increase in both bouquet options and total sales highlights the continued support and enthusiasm from the community.
A special recognition goes to Sandy Pirdy, President of the Arcade Chamber of Commerce, who led the way in pre-sales with an outstanding 100 bouquets sold. In the southern region, Ellicottville Central School made a significant impact with 38 bouquets sold, making them the top seller in their area.
The fundraiser also included pop-up sales at nine locations, with eight manned locations (two in the north, six in the south) and four unmanned locations at the Crosby’s Convenience Stores evenly split between the two regions.
This effort would not have been possible without the dedication of the 60 volunteers and staff who contributed their time and energy throughout the week. The northern team comprised 11 staff and volunteers, while an impressive 49 individuals in the south worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful fundraiser.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in our bouquet sale, from those who pre-ordered to our dedicated volunteers who helped make this event possible,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of HomeCare & Hospice. “The funds raised will directly support hospice care and services in our community, making a real difference for those in need.”
Sometimes, the universe offers us signs of kindness - and sometimes, those signs come in the form of a beautiful bouquet.
At one of our recent Hospice Bouquet Pop-Up Sales, a volunteer who had previously cared for her husband under our hospice services was helping for the first time since his passing. During her shift, a gentleman bought three bouquets - two 9-stem and one 18-stem. After paying, he handed one bouquet to each volunteer as a thank you. With tears in her eyes, the volunteer later shared, “That was my husband… he told that man to buy those flowers for me.”
Whether it's a sign or simply a kind gesture, this moment felt like a message sent from heaven - a reminder that love never truly leaves us.
Although this fundraiser supports the foundation, the exposure gained through the hospice bouquet sales far exceeds the funds raised. The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to all those involved and looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years ahead.
Next up for the foundation events are Sunday, March 30th-SuperHero Bash in Batavia, and Wednesday, May 14th-Hospice Hope: Walk Run Bike Together in Olean. For more information, please call 716-372-2106, visit homecare-hospice.org or email snegron@homecare-hospice.org.