Floral Vet Cindy Ching Inducted Into Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – The Great Lakes Floral Foundation inducted Cindy Ching AIFD, CF, CFD as its 21st inductee into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. Industry friends, family and colleagues gathered for a Hawaiian-themed evening of dinner, remembrances and the presentation of the award.

The award was presented by Foundation Chair Teresa Cytlak and Great Lakes Floral Association President Doug Vos.

Cytlak welcomed and acknowledged the members of Cindy’s family who attended, and praised Cindy for her hard work, memory, work ethic, intelligence, affection, humility, commitment, and her role as a mentor and friend.

“Cindy is hardworking, intelligent and humble, and she is committed to everyone around her, a mentor and a friend to so many,” said Cytlak. “We all love her like family.”

About Cindy Ching

Raised on a farm in Elsie, Michigan, Cindy began her floral career at age 15 at Watt’s Floral. She earned a commercial floriculture degree from Michigan State University, with minors in greenhouse science and interior design, then joined Norm Kessel Florist, where she advanced from designer to head designer to store manager.

In 1985 Cindy moved to Honolulu, where she worked at The Flower Touch, studied lei making and Ikebana, and earned her AIFD designation in 1988. She went on to found Floral Silks Hawaii and Aloha Silk Designs, serving clients that included the Hilton Hawaiian Village. She returned to Michigan in 1999.

For more than 26 years Cindy has been part of the Great Lakes Floral Association. She earned her Certified Florist (CF) designation in 2001 and is a dedicated educator who supports new Certified Florists at the Great Lakes Floral Association conference pledge and works with FFA students. She enjoys time with her two grandsons.

The Evening’s Program

The program was led by Alice Waterous AIFD, CF, CFD, PFCI, who offered the welcome and closing remarks, and Robbin Yelverton AIFD, CF, CFD, PFCI, who gave the invocation. Remarks followed from friends, family and industry leaders:

• Great Lakes Floral Foundation: Rod Crittenden AAF
• Family Reflections: Kristina Sebuck
• Floral Beginnings: Brenda Morches
• Certified Florist: Madi Brooks CF
• Holidays with Pattersons: Bob Patterson CF
• Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo: Jackie Burrell AIFD, CF, CFD
• Industry Education: Jerome Raska AIFD, CF, CFD, PFCI
• Great Lakes Floral Association: Rod Crittenden AAF

Jerome Raska and Robbin Yelverton created the décor for the evening. Bill Doran Co./DWF Flint provided the flowers and supplies, and Hyacinth House provided the green plants.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Great Lakes Floral Foundation thanks the sponsors whose generosity made the evening possible.

Diamond Presenting Sponsors

• Bill Doran Company / DWF – Flint

Silver Sponsor

• T & B Designs LLC

Bronze Sponsors

• Flower Shop Network
• Patterson’s Flowers Inc.
• Teleflora

Friends of the Foundation

• Norman Smith Enterprises
• FTD

About the Great Lakes Floral Foundation

The Great Lakes Floral Foundation is the charitable arm of the Great Lakes Floral Association, supporting education and recognition within the floral industry. Its Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the industry. All Hall of Fame members can be viewed on the Great Lakes Floral Association website under the Foundation tab.