ALEXANDRIA, VA – The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announced a new memorial tribute in memory of Kenneth "Ken" Benjamin, a lifelong member of the floral industry who passed away on December 14 at the age of 91. The $1,000 fund was established by the Kennicott and Van Namen families.
"Ken had an ardent passion for the flower industry and a deep-seated love for the people in it," said Red Kennicott. "His strong inimitable presence will always be remembered by those who knew him."
Benjamin served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 and started his floral career at Amling Company wholesale florists in 1954, after holding several advertising and marketing positions in the industry. He later served as chairman of Cenflo which produced nine different publications: Flower News, Grower's Digest, Floral Mass Marketing, The Flower Book, Flora, Nursery News, The Nursery Book, Food Market News and the Deli Merchandiser. A fixture at most floral industry events, he also served as an AFE trustee for many years.
"Ken has always been a good friend of our family and of the industry for many years," said Jack Van Namen. "Ken never forgot a name or date. He was an icon and a unique individual whom all of us will remember."
To donate:
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Kenneth Benjamin Memorial Tribute, donate online and specify the donation is for the Kenneth Benjamin Memorial Tribute in the "description" box. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to:
American Floral Endowment
c/o Kenneth Benjamin Memorial Tribute
1601 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Memorial tributes are a way to remember and honor industry members, family and friends in a special and lasting manner. A $1,000 contribution establishes a tribute. Once established, contributions can be made in any amount, and the family is always notified of a donation.
The American Floral Endowment is dedicated to advancing the industry through funding floriculture research, educational grants and scholarships. More than $15 million has been funded toward research projects benefiting the entire industry, and more than $500,000 has been funded in scholarships designed to attract and retain the future leaders of the industry. To learn more about AFE visit www.endowment.org or www.fb.com/americanfloralendowment.
Source: American Floral Endowment