Haslett, MI – On the evening of October 17, 2023, the Great Lakes Floral Foundation inducted Mr. Jerome Raska AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI into the Hall of Fame.
The event was held in the beautiful Vega room and Pavilion at The Vault in Holly, MI. The evening started at 6:00pm with a reception where over 100 attendees enjoyed appetizers, libations, and good conversation. At 7:00pm sharp Foundation President and emcee Rodney Crittenden welcomed everyone and thanked the event sponsors. He then informed the attendees that not only were we honor Jerome tonight, but that tomorrow was a very special Birthday for Jerome. After singing an inspiring round of “Happy Birthday” Mr. Crittenden invited Robbin Yelverton AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI to give the invocation. Attendees enjoyed a delicious five course gourmet meal which ended with an Ice Cream Sundae bar and Birthday cake for dessert.
At 8:00pm stories and tales of Jerome began starting with Derek Woodruff AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI who was followed by Kristi Flatt, Laura Shinall AAF, GLFA President Allison Ludema, Jerome’s daughter Rochelle Silcox, Amanda Foreman (New owner of Blumz), Deborah De La Flor AAF, AIFD, PFCI and Jerome’s partner of 23 plus years Robbin Yelverton AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI. GLFF Chair Teresa Cytlak then told the audience of how she challenged some of Jerome’s friend to describe him in one word. These are a few of the words they came up with. Complex, Spirited, Enthusiastic, Passionate, Leader, Incomparable, Bulldog, Funny and Persuasive. She then invited Jerome to the podium where she presented him with his Hall of Fame award.
The Great Lakes Floral Foundation would like to thank Kennicott Brothers Company, Syndicate Sales, and Teleflora for their Diamond Presenting Sponsorships and Norman Smith Enterprises (NSE) for their Bronze Sponsorship of the event. Thank You to the team at Blumz in Holly, MI for setting up and creating the beautiful décor for the evening and to Kennicott Brothers, DWF Flint and Toledo for providing the flowers.
If you would like honor Mr. Raska on his induction into the Hall of Fame with a monetary donation you may do so online here: www.greatlakesfloralassociation.org “Foundation” Tab or call the office at (517) 575-0110.
The Great Lakes Floral Foundation (GLFF) has been established to support & advance the floral industry; it’s members and the communities they serve. The Foundation meets this responsibility through educational opportunities and community enrichment activities. The GLFF will periodically honor outstanding members of the floral industry who have mentored and inspired their fellow industry members. The Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame has been established to record the contributions of those so honored. The Foundation will support and encourage educational opportunities between the public and design professionals approved by the GLFF board of directors. These programs will be available at a reasonable charge to nonprofit community organizations. The Foundation will also make available financial assistance to those seeking to become a Certified Florist, such as providing matching funds when candidates purchase their study materials. For more information on GLFF, visit their web site at www.greatlakesfloralassociation.org Foundation Tab.
