McShan Florist in Dallas has partnered with the Dallas Police Department every year for its Petal It Forward operations.
In less than a month, floral businesses nationwide (and around the world!) will hand out free flowers — some for recipients to keep, and some for them to give away — as part of the Society of American Florists’ 9th annual Petal It Forward event
Haven’t registered for the Oct. 18 goodwill initiative? Here are five reasons to join the fun.
1. Spread Joy
Petal It Forward is the perfect way to illustrate the positive health benefits of giving and receiving flowers, all while spreading joy.
“Petal It Forward gives us an opportunity to spread happiness all over the community,” says Jennifer Barnard, AAF, owner of Tillie’s Flower Shop in Wichita, Kansas and a member of SAF’s Board of Directors. “It’s a great way to cheer people up.”
Barnard first participated in 2020 during the pandemic, when she enlisted a group of ambassadors to leave bouquets on unsuspecting recipients’ doorsteps, ring the doorbell, and walk away. The unique twist, born from the need for social distancing, has proved so popular that she now has people clambering to be an ambassador. This year she selected 25 people who will each get eight bouquets to distribute throughout the community.
2. Community Cred
For many, Petal It Forward is a community event. Local news covers the feel-good moments as flowers brighten up downtowns and busy intersections. By targeting high-traffic areas, florists can create a spectacle that connects with citizens and other businesses and community facilities they visit. Some florists have even used the event as a way to pay it forward to food banks, celebrate local heroes and more.
3. Promising Partnerships
Petal It Forward provides a springboard for floral businesses to build relationships with others in the community. Local schools, police forces, hospitals, and charitable organizations are all eager to lend a hand and pass out flowers.
McShan Florist in Dallas has partnered with the Dallas Police Department every year for its Petal It Forward operations, says Jodi McShan, AAF. Over the years the partnership has evolved and they now work together at other community events, McShan says.
“It’s really great because the police are making people happy,” she says. “They are bringing joy to others by delivering flowers across the city.”
4. Increased Exposure
Tillie’s sees a bump in sales every year following Petal It forward, Barnard says. “From a business standpoint, it looks good when we are doing something for the community. It also increases engagement with our shop.”
The day also translates to more likes on social media, with increased content that is tagged and relatable to followers, Barnard says. “It’s really fun to see the community get involved and use the hashtags and tag Tillie’s,” she says. “You’ll see our name all over social media that day.” (Click here to read more about how to leverage social media during Petal It Forward.)
5. Nationwide Awareness
The more businesses that participate in Petal It Forward, the louder the initiative’s message that flowers reduce stress and promote joy. Because it occurs in cities large and small – and the messages are all over social media – it attracts the attention of the media, corporations, government entities and individuals.
“The more people see the joy, the more flowers are connected to something that makes them happy,” McShan says. “It also gets people thinking about giving flowers for no reason at all other than to make someone’s day.”
Need help getting started? The first step is to register. Then, check out these past SAF NOW articles for tips on planning and executing a successful event.
Sarah Sampson is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.
