Tonya ready to brighten days at Parkwest Medical
What does it mean to be a Tennessee Volunteer? Well, yes, it is “football time in Tennessee,” but the origins of being a Tennessee Volunteer reach far beyond kickoff. Tennessee first earned the nickname “Volunteer State” during the War of 1812 when 2,000 Tennesseans volunteered to fight under the command of Andrew Jackson and defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
Trying to live up to this kind of a legacy may seem daunting, but really it can be as simple as delivering a bouquet of flowers. Just ask Mary Jane Keating. She arranges flowers every Monday after picking up “sad” plants from her local grocery store. Mary Jane freshens them up and makes a delivery on behalf of Random Acts of Flowers to UT Medical Center.
“It is gratifying to see how a simple gesture of kindness is so appreciated by someone going through a difficult time in life,” Keating said.
Random Acts of Flowers is a 100 percent recycling program. The beautiful centerpieces of a romantic wedding, sentimental bouquets from a funeral, and decorative Sunday alter arrangements can be repurposed to bring someone a smile.
“When I started the charity, I had no idea how quickly it would grow or how it would evolve into such an active part of our community. Certainly, it’s an organization the entire community can be proud of,” said Larsen Jay, Random Acts of Flowers founder.
“It’s only because of our hard working volunteers that we can function on a weekly basis,” said Sage Morgan, Director of Operations for Random Acts of Flowers. “They continue to amaze me with their generosity, great ideas and hard work. The volunteer spirit is definitely alive and well in our city.”
There are a number of ways to get involved as a volunteer for Random Acts of Flowers: making deliveries, creating floral arrangements, or collecting vases like Mary Ann Salsman, one of RAF’s original volunteers. After reading an article and learning Random Acts of Flowers was in need of vases, Salsman promptly placed a listing on craigslist and in her husband’s work newsletter requesting donations.
Volunteering can also be about putting your natural talents to work. Nancy Guertin is a graphic designer by trade who uses her talents to create marketing and promotional materials for Random Acts of Flowers.
“I think Random Acts of Flowers is a great, simple charity that contributes an amazing amount of good will to patients who would otherwise be forgotten. It’s easy to dedicate my time to an organization that makes the world a little better place,” Guertin said.
So why volunteer? Just read a few of the testimonials and see how a simple gesture can make a difference in a person’s life.
“My grandmother is in the hospital and she wanted to thank all of you for the flowers that were given to her out of the kindness of your hearts! I thank you also. It really made her happy! All I wanted to see was a smile on her face and she smiled like a ray of sunshine! Thanks again.” – Julie & Dorothy H., Recipient Family Member
“My mother is a resident at Williamsburg Villas and received a bouquet of flowers from your organization. What a wonderful surprise for her. She was thrilled and is still enjoying them more than a week later. She felt very special and that doesn’t happen very often. Thank you very much for your kindness and thoughtfulness.” – Denise A., Recipient Family Member
“Honestly, receiving bouquets from Random Acts of Flowers cheers up our patient’s day. We see it often, that for whatever reason, some patients just have fewer guests that visit them in the hospital and it can bring down their spirit. When we see a patient ‘randomly’ receive a special delivery of flowers, it truly cheers them up. The positive reinforcement flowers provide a patient during their hospital stay really does make a big difference.” – Pam S., Parkwest Medical Center Nurse
Random Acts of Flowers was founded in March of 2009. The organization is approaching its 5,000 delivery. To get involved, learn more or financially support the charity, visit www.RandomActsofFlowers.org.
