Bouquets of Hope runs March 4-7

Largest fundraiser for Hospice Buffalo

Welcome spring with a bouquet of fresh flowers March 4-7 during the 29th annual Hospice Buffalo Spring Bouquet Sale. Thousands of bouquets will be available for $8 at all Erie County First Niagara branches, select Wendy's locations, Raymour & Flanigan stores, local participating florists, hospitals, the Hospice Mitchell Campus in Cheektowaga, public buildings and area businesses in Erie County. Proceeds will support hospice care.

"First Niagara is committed to supporting organizations that are making a difference in Western New York, and we are proud to partner with Hospice (Buffalo)," said Buford Sears, First Niagara Western New York market executive and Hospice Buffalo board member emeritus. "Hospice is improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and providing the guidance, hope and emotional support those patients and their families need. The compassion they share is often the best medicine of all."

The mixed bouquets of roses, asters, other fresh flowers and greens are long-lasting and sure to put the feeling of spring in the air. Proceeds from the Spring Bouquet Sale benefit the Hospice Foundation, supporting Hospice Buffalo, Essential Care for Children and other agencies of The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. These agencies are dedicated to the care and support of individuals with a serious or end-of-life illness.

Presented by First Niagara and founded by the Professional Florists of WNY, the Hospice Buffalo Spring Bouquet Sale is the largest community-wide fundraiser for the Hospice Foundation. More than 450 companies and schools, as well as more than 600 community volunteers, assist with the sale. Since its inception, the bouquet sale has raised more than $4.7 million to support hospice care for Erie County patients and families.

For more information on bouquet sale locations, visit HospiceSpringBouquetSale.com or call the Hospice Foundation at 716-686-8090.