The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Mid-January had Bonnie Weber, Owner of Shores Floral & Gift, thinking of daffodils. Granted, she had just been to the warmer climate of Atlanta, Georgia, for a gift show and marketplace extravaganza, but this service-minded gal was thinking ahead to March daffodil sales and fundraising for A Serving of Hope.

Shores Floral & Gift has been conducting daffodil sales for the last several years during the month of March. "We first raised money for the American Cancer Society, then for Wacee Simenson, and since that time, for A Serving of Hope," Weber reported.

The daffodils sell for $10.00 a bunch with Serving of Hope receiving $7.00. In the past, Shores has sold the daffodils over Facebook and through the store, but this year, Weber wants to really promote the daffodil sales since the Serving of Hope fund provides financial assistance for those needing to travel due to a serious medical condition.

"That condition doesn't have to be cancer, but it often is," Weber stated.

One of the funds managed by the Northern Montana Health (NMH) Care Foundation, Serving of Hope will pay initial assistance of up to $500.00 per applicant as a way to defray some of the costs connected to medically required travel, lodging, and meals.

Residents of Phillips, Blaine, Hill, Liberty, and the Big Sandy Census District of Chouteau Counties are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the fund. Applications are available online at nmhcare.org by clicking on the Foundation hyperlink or by calling the NMH Foundation at 406.262.1419.

Weber, who serves on the NMH Foundation Board which meets quarterly, said that she has read notes of gratitude from people who have used the fund. "The financial gift is a God-send to some people," she explained.

Julianne LaSmith, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for Northern Montana Health Care as well as Secretary for the Foundation, reported that since 2010, the fund has paid out $237,075.56 to 518 Hi-Line residents that are dealing with a medical emergency.

The Fund has an interesting history and was born from another fundraiser. Men Who Cook for Women Who Wine was an annual fundraising event held in Hingham, Montana, that began in 2007. The idea behind the event was to have male chefs in the area showcase their culinary specialties and skills. People attending the event would then vote for their favorites.

The event was started by a small group of people who wanted to help establish the Hi-Line Sletten Cancer Center in Havre. According to a brochure outlining the fund's origin, when the Hi-Line Sletten Cancer Center was completed, a group of dedicated volunteers and participants decided to use proceeds from the annual event to help people in need of medical care for serious illnesses who do not have resources for travel and lodging expenses. Thus, A Serving of Hope from Men Who Cook was born.

Because this is a cause in which Weber believes, she has participated in fundraising efforts through her business, Shores Floral & Gift, and she invites Hi-Line residents to join her in supporting A Serving of Hope by purchasing daffodils.

This colorful first flower of spring was chosen by the American Cancer Society to bring hope to cancer patients and those affected by the disease.

As described at ftd.com, the daffodil symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It became associated with the coming of spring because it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost. Given its early blooming status and its contribution to the theme of hope, the sunny daffodil was also selected as the birth flower for the month of March.

Several volunteers have graciously signed up to sell daffodils for this event. Many of these ladies have been helping with the daffodil sales since the American Cancer Society held Daffodil Days in a partnership with Shores Floral & Gift in the past. They include Betty Lou Stender (357-2021), Carol Johnsrud (357-3232), Inez Halseth (357-2940), Meredy Phares (357-3144), Nancy Snider (379-2343), Lucy Fairbank (379- 2293), Barb Kolar (353-2513), and Julianne LaSmith (262-1410). Any one of these individuals will accept an order by phone.

According to Weber, daffodils will be available during the month of March, or until supplies run out, "which may occur slightly before the end of March," she reports.

In order to ensure that interested individuals get to participate in this fundraising effort, Weber encourages buying ahead to reserve their daffodils. Anyone attracted to this idea can call one of the daffodil volunteers listed above to place an order and reserve their flowers, or patrons can simply stop in the store at 304 Indiana Street in Chinook, pay for the number of bouquets desired, and secure a place on the list. Shores will be accepting phone orders as well. Their phone number is 357-2776.