County florists sell pink poinsettias for breast cancer

by Staff Pioneer Times
12 years ago

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Poinsettias are plentiful this time of year. And while red plants are the most common, several local florists are stocking up on pink poinsettias this season for a good reason.
    The Maine State Florists and Growers Association is teaming up with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this holiday season to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. Every pink poinsettia sold by a participating member will result in a donation of $2 donation going to the Maine Komen Foundation.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NE-Poinsettia-dc-pt-50SEEING PINK — Deb Nisbett, president of MSFGA and owner of Chadwick Florist and Greenhouses in Houlton, is raising funds to fight breast cancer through the sale of pink poinsettias this holiday season. Several local florists have joined the cause.
    “Our combined goal is to help raise the awareness of our customers for this worthwhile cause while contributing to the loveliness of the season’s decorations by promoting the use of pink poinsettias this year,” said Deb Nisbett, president of MSFGA and owner of Chadwick Florist and Greenhouses in Houlton. “Our state association is partnering with the Maine Komen Foundation to help in the efforts of bringing about a cure for breast cancer.
    The MSFGA includes florists, greenhouses and growers around the state of Maine. A total of 29 members are participating in the promotion. Local retailers include Noyes Flower & Plant Shoppe in Caribou; Chadwick Florist & Greenhouses and Daniel’s Florist, both of Houlton; and Cook Florist in Presque Isle.
    Nisbett said the idea to use proceeds from the sale of pink poinsettias came to her one day while getting her plants ready. Pink is associated as the official color of breast cancer awareness.
    “We were trying to think of something that we (MSFGA) could do to donate for the holidays,” Nisbett said. “We thought this would be a nice way to raise funds. The pink plants help bring attention to breast cancer. It just seemed like a natural fit.”
    For more information about this promotion, contact Nisbett at 532-3520 or Becky Kash, affiliate coordinator, Maine Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 135 Broadway or P.O. Box 1626, Bangor, ME 04402-1626.