PFCI Honors Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford with AFE Memorial Tribute

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PFCI Honors Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford with AFE Memorial Tribute

ALEXANDRIA, VA — April 6, 2017 — Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) has established “Bucks for Bobbi,” a memorial tribute through the American Floral Endowment (AFE), in memory of celebrated floral designer and mentor Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI. She passed away on Feb. 3, 2017 at the age of 85.

Created with a $1,000 contribution from PFCI members, the Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford Memorial Tribute — affectionately called “Bucks for Bobbi” — honors her life and contributions to the floral industry.

“Bobbi was an inspiration and left an impact on everyone she met. We miss her dearly and cherish our memories of time spent with her,” said PFCI Board of Trustees Chairman D Damon Samuel, AAF, AIFD, NAFD, NMF, PFCI, of the Bill Doran Company in Omaha, Neb.

“So much of what AFE does is what Bobbi was all about — educate, inspire, develop new talent and promote a healthy floral industry. Bucks for Bobbi is our mission to honor Bobbi and continue her life mission.”

Barbara “Bobbi” Ecker-Blatchford of Watervliet, Mich. was born on Aug. 24, 1931 and devoted her life to the floral industry. She worked at her family’s floral and greenhouse operation, Ecker’s Flowers, in Waverly, Iowa. She later started her own company, The Flora Pros., in Chicago. For 15 years, she also worked with FernTrust, Inc., a co-op made up of 13 family farms in Seville, Fla.

Over the course of her 60-plus-year career, Ecker-Blatchford became a noted speaker, commentator, award-winning floral designer and consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America. In addition, she established innovative and cutting edge floral techniques and concepts that are still in use today.

She was recognized and honored by many industry groups, including the American Institute of Floral Designers, International Floriculture Expo and Michigan Floral Association, which inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2012. SAF recognized Ecker-Blatchford with PFCI’s 1997 Tommy Bright Award for lifetime achievement in floral presentation.

The talented and forward-thinking designer was highly regarded in the industry and will be remembered fondly by her peers for her love of hats, her light-hearted spirit and joy she took in people, flowers and life.

To contribute Bucks for Bobbi, visit endowment.org/donate or mail contributions to:

American Floral Endowment
c/o Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford Memorial Tribute
1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314

AFE Memorial Tributes are a special way to remember and honor industry members, family and friends. A $1,000 contribution establishes a tribute. Once established, contributions can be made in any amount, and the family is always notified of a donation.

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About AFE
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The American Floral Endowment is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the floriculture and horticulture industry through funding research, educational grants and scholarships. Since 1961, more than $15 million has been funded in research and educational projects, and more than $1.5 million has been funded in scholarships and internships designed to attract and retain the future leaders of the industry. To learn more about AFE or make a tax-deductible contribution, visit http://www.endowment.org.

About SAF
The Society of American Florists is the leading organization representing all segments of the floral industry. SAF is proud to provide marketing, business and government services to its members, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884. To learn more about SAF or to join, visit safnow.org.

About PFCI
Professional Floral Communicators – International is a network of professional floral business educators certified by SAF. PFCI is the service mark of the floral industry’s finest floral educators. Each member of the organization has proven, through their education and experience, their ability to speak authoritatively about topics pertinent to the floral industry, such as the principles and elements of floral design, the proper care and handling of flowers and effective business management techniques. PFCI was formed in 1965. To learn about PFCI, visit safnow.org/pfci.

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