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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 aims to bring this kind of inspiration and imaginative artistry to the center stage during its 18th Annual Flower Power Event, a luncheon, a floral design show, and silent auction fundraiser that directly benefits San Francisco youth programs across the City, including 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 the Bay Area’s finest restaurants, wineries, venues, and shops. Guests are able to “Do the Most Good” for the community by attending this Flower Power event, all while enjoying fabulous food and spectacular views of the City from the Fairmont Hotel.
The idea for Flower Power 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.
Flower Power has since evolved to support the back-to-school and after-school programs at The Salvation Army’s six community centers across San Francisco. For nearly 20 years, and with the generous support of Flower Power guests and donors, The Salvation Army has been able to support thousands of children from low-income families with new backpacks, school supplies, and after-school programs. 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 enrolled in The Salvation Army’s community center programs 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 cancelling the fundraiser, The Salvation Army hosted the Floral Power Virtual Gala, and livestreamed to a packed audience.
Plans are well under way for this year’s event, which will be held on August 26th at The Fairmont Hotel. Emceed by KPIX 5’s Juliette Goodrich and featuring floral designer John James of John James Designs, 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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