Sales of Westerlay Orchids’ Pink Diamond Orchid have helped raise more than $89,000 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara.
Over the past four years, Westerlay Orchids has raised approximately $89,000 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara.
Each fall, the company dedicates a portion of its sales of the proprietary Pink Diamond Orchid, a pink dyed Phalaenopsis from its Gemstone Collection, to benefit the center and the many patients who rely on its care. In past years, Westerlay has also chosen the BCRC as its Breast Cancer Awareness Month beneficiary and sponsored no-cost mammograms for low-income women.
“When you witness the important role that organizations like the Cancer Resource Center hold in our community, it’s so easy to get behind their cause,” said Westerlay owner and president Toine Overgaag, “It makes me and all of our staff proud to harness our product for the benefit of others.”
Silvana Kelly, executive director of the BCRB, said the center is “truly grateful” for the recognition and the gift. “The funds will provide free essential services to benefit women coping with breast cancer in our community,” she said.
Overgaag maintains that Westerlay Orchids’ work “does not start and stop at the greenhouse door,” and that the company’s success is a product of the strong community in which his family has been privileged to work for three generations.
Throughout the year, Westerlay Orchids contributes to many charities and organizations, including FOOD Share Venture, Carpinteria Unified School District, Flower Empower, the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show and The Howard School.
Katie Hendrick Vincent is the senior contributing editor of Floral Management magazine.
