Flowers have a way of brightening anyone’s day, so to counter some of the sad stories in the news of late, Art Flower & Gift Shoppe in Rockville Centre recently surprised hundreds of unsuspecting women with complimentary bouquets.
The flower shop participated in the random acts of kindness campaign called “Petal It Forward,” sponsored by the Society of American Florists (SAF), a national trade group to which the store belongs. Each woman surprised got two bouquets — one to keep, the other to give to friends, family, colleagues or strangers.
“Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life and the world today,” said Keith Linsalata, the shop’s owner.
The shop collaborated with the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition (RVCBCC), which held its fashion show featuring breast cancer heroes as models on Oct. 27 at the Garden City Hotel. After giving each woman at the event two bouquets, the florists then walked through Rockville Centre giving out flowers to women at Mercy Medical Center, Grand Pavilion Nursing Home, Maple Avenue Nursing Home, Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School, and other locations.
“Seeing our neighbors, such as the RVCBCC, stand with us today during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and recognize those who may need an extra smile makes me proud to be part of the Rockville Centre community,” said Linsalata.
“It should surprise no one that Keith and his Art Flower & Gift Shoppe want to focus on the beautiful things happening in and around Rockville Centre,” added Kathy Baxley, deputy mayor of Rockville Centre and RVCBCC board member. “His commitment to our community only reinforces why he invests in this initiative today and every day of the year.”
