“Where there is valor, there is hope.” – Tacitus
Since October 2013, RAF Tampa Bay has delivered more 85,000 bouquets to hospitals, rehab centers and nursing facilities through the dedication of more than 100 active volunteers that do everything from washing and collecting vases, gathering and prepping flowers, and – finally – arranging and delivering.
Further, we have made serving the many veterans who call our community home a priority. We want to honor them, recognize their service, and thank them for everything they have done to protect our country.
On Thursday, August 15, we made our 7,500th delivery to veterans at VA Bay Pines Hospital.
Monica Kok, Program Director for RAF Tampa Bay, always looks forward to delivery days at VA Bay Pines – “I love visiting VA Bay Pines with our volunteers. We are able to bring joy to everyone there, and we are reminded so strongly of the love these men and women must feel for us to have done to have served as they did. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to spend some time with the patients there, and bring them something bright.”
Recipients at Bay Pines have also reached out to let us know the difference the flowers made to them – “I am a disabled veteran and have been in Bay Pines Hospital for approximately a week. I was feeling down in the dumps and someone knocked on my door with your bouquet! It lifted my spirits and made me smile! Thank you so much for what you do!” – Cynthia