A group of Ohio greenhouse growers hopes a "shock wave" of purple flowers will eventually roll across America in support of scientific research to end pancreatic cancer.
Starting May 1, the Maumee Valley Growers and 16 affiliated northwest Ohio greenhouse retailers will raise funds for the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) by selling "denim shock wave petunias" through a campaign called Plant Purple — Grow Hope. Look for the PICK ME! plant tag.
"We are delighted to be the first grower organization in America to partner with TGen in support of this important cancer research," said Joe Perlaky, Program Manager for the Maumee Valley Growers.
Plant Purple — Grow Hope will set aside 50 cents for every 4.5-inch purple petunia pot sold by the non-profit Maumee Valley Growers and their partners, through June 30. Denim shock wave petunias were selected for the campaign because of their ease of care and purple hue, which is the color of pancreatic cancer awareness.
Proceeds will fund TGen's globalCure initiative, an alliance of some of the world's foremost scientists, physicians and pancreatic cancer advocates that aims to find a cure for this disease. Pancreatic cancer annually takes the lives of more than 35,000 Americans, making it the fourth-leading cause of cancer death.
Here are the sixteen MVG growers participating in the Plant Purple — Grow Hope campaign:
Greenhouse Contact Phone
Barrow's Greenhouse John 419-474-3498
Bench's Greenhouse and Nursery Jill 419-862-3596
Bench Farms Cindy 419-836-9443
Ben Sell Mary 419-536-3992
Black Diamond Kim 419-473-0657
Bostdorff Acres Alisha 419-353-7858
Creque's Greenhouse Eileen 419-829-2941
Fitkin's Greenhouse Mike 734-888-1297
Gardenland Nursery & Garden Ctr. Lois 419-865-5656
Hoen's Greenhouse Theresa 419-350-3644
Louis Keil and Sons Tony 419-829-6185
Ohlman Farm and Greenhouse Sheri 419-536-1939
Schmittuz Gardens George or Tim 419-332-0061
Sunshine Inc. Kathleen 419-944-1685
Tom Strain Becky 419-531-1307
Wardell's Garden Center Tom 419-878-4195
Click here for more information.
Join us at the Toledo Botanical Garden in the hospitality tent on May 5-8 celebrating TBG's annual Spring Plant Sale.
Source: Maumee Valley Growers
