To show its support for the Dallas Police Department, Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events created “a simple image spelling out our wounded city’s name with blue hydrangea to honor our police force,” said Katie Ritter, the marketing manager. “It never feels like enough, but it was our way of joining a community of voices pouring out love during a time of tragedy.”
As Dallas reels from the shooting that left five police officers dead, local florists are once again doing their part to help a community heal.
The reality of living in a city struck by a national tragedy is still settling in at Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, said Katie Ritter, the marketing manager.
“There was a quiet, shocked cloud in our offices the day after the attack,” she explained. “Knowing minutes away, on roads we travel daily, and in a city we call home, we had lost admirable, courageous Dallas police officers. The urge to go out and do something, help someone, hug someone was and is strong in all of us as we’ve watched everything unfold over the last few days.”
The shop, like many local businesses and community groups, took to social media quickly to voice “support and love for the Dallas Police Department,” she said.
“We created a simple image spelling out our wounded city’s name with blue hydrangea to honor our police force,” Ritter explained. “It never feels like enough, but it was our way of joining a community of voices pouring out love during a time of tragedy.”
The shop also joined with others to send “words and tributes of appreciation and condolences” to Dallas leaders and police force members.
“We are ultimately blessed with the ability to provide a service to people looking to send their own condolences through the sentiment of flowers,” Ritter said. “To know that even a single flower from us could provide a moment of solace to those grieving, that’s the only thing that matters.”
Last month, we covered florists in Orlando and their efforts to help community members and victims’ family after the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub. Following the shooting at an historic church in Charleston, South Carolina, a year ago, Manny Gonzales of Tiger Lily Florist shared his perspective on the important emotional role florists and flowers can play after a tragedy. In 2012, industry members also rallied together to support Newtown, Connecticut, after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
