Nebraska florists will take aim on cancer in October through the fourth annual Bouquet of Hope program which supports cancer research at the UNMC’s Eppley Cancer Center.
A total of 18 florists in eight Nebraska communities are participating in this year’s program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, a 15-member community based group committed to raising funds for cancer research.
In October, people can send a Bouquet of Hope to anyone by going through one of the participating florists located in Bellevue, Fremont, Kearney, Lexington, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha and Papillion.
The bouquets, which typically cost $20, will include a special enclosure card designed by Sue Kocsis, an Omaha artist who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2001. The card depicts a colorful bouquet of flowers with the following message,”Long after the blooms have faded, money spent for this bouquet allows the hope to continue through cancer research.”
For every bouquet sold, 20 percent of the proceeds will go toward funding local cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, said Jill Bydalek, a member of the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.
“This is a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day while benefitting cancer research at the same time,” Bydalek said. “We are so fortunate to have a cancer center of this caliber in our state. This is an easy way to show your support.”
Participating florists include:
- Bellevue — Jerry’s Flowers;
- Fremont — Green’s Greenhouse and Treasure House;
- Kearney — Kearney Floral;
- Lexington — Flowers of Joy;
- Lincoln — Burton/Tyrrell’s;
- North Platte — Westfield Floral Company;
- Omaha — Beyond the Vine; David’s Rockbrook Florist; Floral Creations by Twila Z; Floral Fantasies; Flowerama; Hy-Vee Flowers; Janousek Florist; Ken’s Flowers; Piccolo’s; Rose Court; Taylor’s Flowers;
- Papillion — The Flower Patch.
For more information on the Bouquet of Hope program, call Bydalek at (402) 384-9316.