15th Annual Dream Foundation Flower Empower Luncheon

Dream Foundation held its 15th Annual Flower Empower fundraising luncheon on Thursday, April 9, at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. The event welcomed more than 200 attendees from across the region and beyond. While guests arrived dressed to impress, the focus remained firmly on supporting the Flower Empower program.

Following check-in, guests enjoyed a formal photo opportunity and champagne while touring silent auction items displayed on the ballroom’s outdoor patio and garden. The reception concluded with emcee Andrew Firestone inviting guests into the ballroom for a seated luncheon. Tables were adorned with large rose bouquets, which were auctioned to the highest-bidding tables.

Firestone welcomed attendees, noting, “I’ve been here 25 years, and this event is celebrating 15 years. I love that we are celebrating their vision together. We are here to recognize deserving volunteers, hear firsthand about the mission of Flower Empower from keynote speaker Jennifer Drury, and support the Dream Foundation.”

During lunch, Firestone introduced Dream Foundation CEO Kisa Heyer, who thanked attendees, sponsors, board members, and volunteers for their support. She acknowledged board members Michael Flowers, Nathan Rogers, Kenny Slaught, and Scott St. Germain. Flower Empower coordinators Isabelle Meyer Stapf and Elizabeth Patterson also shared remarks.

Ahead of the event, Stapf and Patterson shared, “Flower Empower is a community in the truest sense. Growers donate what they’ve cultivated with care. Volunteers give their Saturday mornings to deliver it. Recipients open their doors to receive something beautiful when they need it most. Supporters make it all possible. Every person in that chain matters, and together they create something greater than the sum of its parts.”

Rita Barton, Dream Foundation’s Development Manager, added, “The 15th Annual Flower Empower Luncheon will welcome more guests than ever before, with over 250 attendees expected. We are hopeful this will also increase funds raised. This milestone year includes new elements such as a Bubble Cart and Photo Booth Wall for guests to enjoy.”

Honorees included adult volunteers Pat and Joe Boris and Jennifer Davila; youth volunteers Natasha Hurvitz and Stella Mast, both seniors at San Marcos High School; and Treat Donors of the Year Jill and Jean-Michel Carré, owners of Chocolats du CaliBressan.

I met Natasha and Stella for a quick photo and asked how they began volunteering. Natasha shared, “I started volunteering with my older sister. It was a way to spend time with her, and through it I discovered a passion for working with flowers. I also formed a strong friendship with Stella. The Flower Empower team has become like family. We’ve been volunteering for five to six years and are both presidents of the Dream Club at our school.”

Firestone then led the live auction alongside Layla Khashoggi, raising approximately $40,500 from six items donated by community members and businesses.

Keynote Speaker Jennifer Drury, both a volunteer and recipient of Flower Empower, delivered a moving address that received a standing ovation.

Firestone followed with the “Ask,” raising an additional $60,500, bringing the total to approximately $101,000 toward the organization’s $250,000 fundraising goal.

Attendees included Robin and Roger Himovitz, Elizabeth Patterson, Nick Gianis, Terease Chin, Ingrid Biancone, Carly Harrod-Bass, Luca Romani, Danielle Dally, and Wayne Kelterer.

Event committee members included Rebecca Borgioli, Shannon DiPadova, Shéri Dirksen, Lynette Hall, Robin Himovitz, Jenny Johansson, Tammy Kronen, Margaret Lloyd, Amy Love, Joanne Ohlman, Carolyn O’Mara, Crosby Slaught, David Sparer, and Serena Weddle.

Sponsors included Casa Dorinda and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Guests received swag bags with beauty products, a heart-stone crystal, and a wrapped cookie.

Flower Empower is an all-volunteer program delivering weekly floral arrangements and treats to individuals in need. To date, the program has delivered more than 146,000 bouquets.  

411: www.dreamfoundation.org