Powering the Dream

Petal power was palpable at the 14th annual Dream Foundation Flower Empower lunch at the Rosewood Miramar which welcomed 250 guests and was expected to raise more than $250,000.

Ubiquitous emcee and auctioneer Andrew Firestone warmed the crowd, while Christine Emmons was recipient speaker, who also brought her husband Robert on to the chandelier ballroom stage.

Alison Brainard Sydney and Margaret Prothero were honored as 2024 Volunteers of the Year, Carpinteria’s Maximum Flowers as 2024 Grower of the Year, and Boys Team Charity as Youth Volunteers of the Year.

Auction items included a Los Olivos escape to the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern snapped up for $3,500, a Rosewood Miramar dining experience which sold for $2,750, a St. Barts vacation for $3,250, and a first class Four Seasons trip to Maui sold for $7,500.

A blooming good time was had by all.

Among the supporters were Penny Bianchi, Holly Murphy, Ella Brittingham, Kate Coppola, Hilary Doubleday, Roger and Robin Himowitz, Layla Khashoggi, Diana MacFarlane, Frank Tabar, and Roxanna Solakian.