Flowers are full of power, more than we initially think. From colorful blossoms and bouquets to perennials and annuals, flowers make us happy, providing inspiration and imaginative artistry. Considered the universal language by many, flowers give comfort, motivation, and even encouragement during the most important moments in our lives.
The Salvation Army will bring this kind of inspiration and imaginative artistry to the center stage during its 19th Annual Flower Power Event, a floral design show and silent auction fundraiser that directly benefits San Francisco youth programs in the Tenderloin, SOMA, Chinatown, and the Avenues.
During the event, guests are not only treated to an outstanding floral design show from a local artist, but they also can bid on silent auction items from Bay Area’s finest restaurants, wineries, venues, and stores. Guests are able to “Do the Most Good” for the community by attending the event, all while enjoying fabulous food and spectacular views of the City from the Fairmont Hotel.
The idea for the event was planted back in 2004, when the Development team at The Salvation Army in San Francisco was looking for a new way to inspire the local philanthropic community to support its back-to-school programs. They wanted to create something that would intersect education with artistry, as well as an event that supporters would look forward to attending each year.
For nearly 20 years, the generous support of Flower Power guests allows The Salvation Army to support hundreds of children from low-income families with new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming year. The Salvation Army’s back-to-school and after-school programs also provide a variety of physical and educational activities in a safe space. San Francisco’s youth receive daily homework, tutoring, nutritious snacks and dinner, recreation, and enrichment activities, including art, literacy programs, science, and computer work. Children also have access to a gym, dance studio, private outdoor space, and a game room.
Flower Power has traditionally been held at some of the best hotels in San Francisco, including the Omni San Francisco, Sir Francis Drake Hotel, and most recently the Fairmont Hotel. The event is so popularly attended that during the pandemic, instead of canceling the fundraiser, The Salvation Army hosted the Flower Power Virtual Gala, and livestreamed the fundraiser to a packed audience.
Plans are well under way for this year’s event, which will be held on August 4th at The Fairmont Hotel. Emceed by KPIX 5’s Juliette Goodrich, featuring floral designer Orna Maymon, and honoring CEO of Union Square Alliance Marisa Rodriguez as the Woman of Dedication, this event is expected to sell out quickly! For more information on how you can get involved, or to register as a guest, please visit flowerpowersf.org.
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