The American Floral Endowment (AFE) recently announced the establishment of the Yoshimi and Grace Shibata Family Fund, honoring the late flower grower and wholesale florist Yoshimi “Shimi” Shibata and his wife, Grace. Shimi passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 31 surrounded by family. The floral industry pioneer was 100 years old.
Founded by a generous contribution from the Shibata family, this new named fund honors the lifetime legacy of Shimi and Grace and their accomplishments in the floral industry.
“Shimi and the entire Shibata family have always been great champions of the industry,” said AFE Executive
The new Shibata fund will honor the legacy of Yoshimi and Grace Shibata
Director Debi Aker. “We are honored that the family chose to establish this new fund honoring Shimi and the Shibata family through AFE.”
Shimi is a past president of the Mt. Eden Floral Company, formerly Mt. Eden Nursery, based in San Jose, California. The renowned floral industry leader led the company for more than 55 years. Other related companies owned and operated by Shimi are GM Floral Co. and the California–Florida Plant Co., a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation of Japan. (Read more.)
“We are grateful that had a distinguished and fulfilling career in the flower industry that he loved so much,” said Robert Shibata, one of his sons and the current president of Mt. Eden and the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association.
Contributions to the Yoshimi and Grace Shibata Family Fund can be made through AFE’s “Donate” web page.
