We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
On April 13 at Shores Floral in Chinook, shop owner Tomi Simonson presented a $5,425 check to Bonnie Weber, a Board Member for the Northern Montana Health Care Foundation (NMHCF). The funds were generated through the daffodil fundraiser held last month.
This donation showed an increase over last year's, which was generated from the sale of 700 bunches of the sunny blooms. For 2022 at final count, Simenson reported that 775 bunches of daffodils were ordered and delivered to Hi-Line residents. The approximately 7750 blooms netted the donation that exceeded $5,000.
In reaching this milestone, Simenson credits her volunteers. "I really couldn't have done it without my volunteers helping sell in the Turner, Harlem, Havre, and Chinook communities. These individuals really went above and beyond for me. We had a few more than usual sell in Harlem this year, so that helped us reach our mark."
Simenson also put out a request on Facebook, asking for donations so that residents at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home might receive the color of spring to cheer them. People generously responded so that Simenson more than surpassed her goal of 21 bunches to be donated.
"I ended up taking 60 bunches of daffodils out there alone! Most of those donors were from out of town that messaged me wanting to support the good cause. That delivery provided flowers for every resident plus a lot of the employees to enjoy them," Simenson reported.
The revenue generated from the daffodil sales was donated to A Serving of Hope, one of the funds managed by the NMHCF. A Serving of Hope was initially created from the proceeds of the "Men Who Cook for Women Who Wine" event, held from 2007-2015.
Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for Northern Montana Health Care, as well as Secretary for the Foundation, Julianne LaSmith explained that although the Men Who Cook Event no longer takes place, the fund has been maintained with donations from the Foundation, the community, and fundraisers like this one.
"The generosity of folks here on the Hi-Line is unsurpassed, and the Foundation is so grateful to be able to continue with this excellent project," LaSmith stated.
A Serving of Hope provides financial assistance to residents of the Hi-Line who have to travel due to a serious medical condition. An application, as well as additional details about the fund and how monies are disbursed, can be found on the NMHCF web page.
Simenson's goal is to see the daffodil fundraiser continue to bloom, "getting bigger every year."
