Companies and schools invited to join 27th annual Hospice spring bouquet sale

Participants invited to free breakfast Jan. 22

Area companies and schools are invited to participate in the 27^th annual Hospice Buffalo spring bouquet sale, presented by First Niagara, for the event's pre-sale phase held during January and February.

Participants simply assign a coordinator in an office who takes care of ordering bouquets with Hospice Buffalo. A free display bouquet and kit is provided to each company/school coordinator. Coordinators are eligible to win a gift certificate to Lombardo's Ristorante by attending a free breakfast on Jan. 22 with WGRZ-TV's Mary Alice Demler.

Each bouquet of fresh flowers includes roses, carnations, other fresh flowers and greens. The bouquets can be pre-ordered for $8 each - and are sure to put the feeling of spring in the air. A special oversized tribute bouquet is also available to pre-order for $30. For every tribute bouquet ordered, a spring bouquet will be given to a current Hospice Buffalo patient.

Founded by the Professional Florists of Western New York, the Hospice Buffalo spring bouquet sale is the largest community-wide fundraiser for the Hospice Foundation. More than 500 community volunteers assist with the sale. Additional sponsors include WGRZ-TV, Country 106.5 WYRK, Joy 96.1, Lamar Advertising, Wendy's, Dunkin' Donuts, and Insty Prints Cheektowaga. For more information on volunteering, signing up your company or school, call the Hospice Foundation at 716-686-8090 or visit online at www.hospicebuffalo.com.

Proceeds from the spring bouquet sale benefit the Hospice Foundation, supporting Hospice Buffalo, the St. John Baptist Hospice Buffalo inpatient unit, Essential Care for Children/Home Care Buffalo, Caring Hearts Home Care, and the Life Transitions Center. All are part of The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, dedicated to the care and support of individuals with a serious or end of life illness.