Category: Delivering Smiles

At the end of a long, hard day, sometimes the only thing you need is something that can instantly make you smile. And while for you that may be coming home to your family or listening to your favorite song, there’s one thing that we know always puts a smile on our face, and we bet it does for you too – animals! If life’s been a little ruff lately, these animals with flowers are sure to cheer you up!

This little kitty can’t wait to get her paws on these beautiful pink roses!

Presenting you with this bouquet is this a-DOG-able pups way of saying “welcome home!”

I didn’t mean to, I swear!

Beautiful day, isn’t it?

Can I eat this?

Just being curious, that’s all!

Mind if I share this seat with you?

Anybody in there?

I knew you’d find me!

Sometimes a hug, a nap, and of course, a friend, are all you really need.

A tiny kitty with a tiny floral crown.

Don’t mind me, just moseying around..

Every day is filled with a million reasons to give; every moment an opportunity to share. And sometimes, the smallest things are often the ones worth celebrating.

1. You always make me smile
2. It’s the third Wednesday of the month
3. I’m paying it forward
4. It was so good to see you last week
5. You had a bad hair day
6. I want to make your day brighter
7. You put up with my music
8. Traffic was a nightmare today
9. You deserve a surprise
10. Making you happy makes me happy
11. You would never expect it
12. You’re on my mind
13. You could use a pick-me-up
14. I felt like it
15. You’re out of sight, but not out of mind
16. You saved me the last piece of cake
17. You’re the first person I want to talk to in the morning
18. I’m feeling happy
19. You cleaned the house
20. You inspire me
21. It’s payday
22. You wore the sweater I bought you
23. You made it this far
24. I’m not perfect
25. You helped me put together my new table so I don’t have to eat on the floor anymore
26. I made you late
27. …do I really need a reason?
28. You think I’m beautiful without makeup
29. You motivate me
30. I dreamt about you
31. You cut the crust off my bread
32. It’s the little things
33. You let me pick the movie
34. You put up with my family
35. You watch sports with me
36. You deserve it
37. I DVR’d over your favorite show
38. You did me a favor
39. You’re volunteering your time
40. We’ve been best friends forever
41. I can and I will
42. I don’t want to wait until Valentine’s Day to say “I Love you” <3
43. I haven’t seen you in ages
44. You laugh at my [bad] jokes
45. You helped me move
46. You had a rough day
47. You got a good report card
48. I’d still be fixing that flat tire if it wasn’t for your help
49. You’re my favorite gym buddy
50. You take out the trash
51. I can be weird around you
52. You lent me that book
53. It’s your half birthday
54. You always go out of your way for me
55. Your proofreading helped me get the job!
56. You refused to let me pay for dinner and drinks
57. You didn’t get mad when I borrowed your clothes
58. Every day is a new day
59. You were a great dog and house sitter (AND didn’t burn the house down!)
60. You helped me with ALL my college applications
61. Laughing with you is so much fun
62. You dealt with the annoying parking lots to pick me up from the airport
63. You “like” all my selfies on Instagram
64. I miss you
65. You didn’t tell Mom on me
66. You’re on a diet and this arrangement has zero calories
67. You were the designated driver too many weekends in a row
68. You missed your track meet to spend the day with Grandma
69. The recipe you gave me actually got the kids to eat their veggies!
70. You love roses
71. I’m lucky to have you in my life
72. I can always count on you
73. You make my heart beat fast
74. I heard our favorite song on the radio
75. You never give up
76. Inside jokes are the best
77. You watched the entire chick flick with me… even though the game was on
78. It’s a three-day weekend!
79. SURPRISE!
80. Life should be celebrated, every day
81. You let me crash at your place for the weekend
82. You let me vent to you
83. You made me laugh so hard it hurt
84. We’re happy & healthy
85. You folded AND put the laundry away!
86. You woke me up when my alarm clock failed
87. You’re the only other person that can quote all of Mean Girls with me
88. You followed your heart
89. I wanted to know you were smiling, because of me
90. You’re brave
91. I wanted to impress you.. and your coworkers 😉
92. We’ve known each other for 384 days today
93. I want you to know I’m here…
94. Movie nights are better with you!
95. You’re better off without him
96. You’re my #WCW
97. I wanted to do something nice
98. You’re always my “plus 1”
99. Better late than never
100. You saved me the last cookie

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On a relatively quiet Friday afternoon, our Smile Team ventured to the Massapequa 1800Flowers retail store to deliver smiles to our customers and passers-by. Since it happened to be June 21st, the first day of summer, the team created an old-fashioned Lemonade Stand in the parking lot, where they offered free cups of lemonade to anyone seeking a little refreshment.

Armed with a homemade sign and sandwich board, and with some junior Smile Team members on hand to help give out the lemonade, the team was ready to start serving. But there was a fun catch to this Lemonade Stand—anyone who came by for a drink (yes, the team actually gave out cups of lemonade) was also surprised with a truly original Make Lemonade™ bouquet!

Most people were shocked, not realizing they were getting a gorgeous bouquet for free! Especially with the kids lending a hand, almost everyone thought it was a charity event. But instead it was simply 1800Flowers delivering sweet smiles!

Smile Team member and 1800Flowers.com employee Chandra Savage recalls her favorite encounter of the day: “I told the customer ‘This is for you just because 1800Flowers wants to share a smile.’ She couldn’t believe it, until finally I told her ‘No, this is just for you!’ She then asked me to take a picture with her so we could smile together.”

Fellow Smile Team member Craig Aquino adds, “The shock on people’s faces when we pulled the arrangements out from under the lemonade stand was priceless. People were genuinely surprised to receive a free gift just for stopping by which created many impromptu smiles. These were contagious, as I couldn’t stop grinning myself.”

Even the real stars of the day, the kids who were an invaluable part of drawing people to the stand, were touched by the day’s events. “It made me feel happy,” said Cassie Tura, daughter of Smile Team member Joe Tura, “to sell lemonade, then give people flowers instead and watch them smile.”

All in all, it was a rewarding afternoon for our Smile Team. Whether it was giving out lemonade to a tired bicyclist, or handing an arrangement to a busy mother of two, “it felt good to catch everyone off guard,” said Team Leader Michael Yi. “We were sort of refreshing them in two ways.”

Free Cheryl’s Cookies and Popcorn Factory Popcorn Balls!

We’ve all heard the expression, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Well, that is especially true at baseball games, where a hot dog can cost up to seven dollars. That is why we at 1-800-Flowers.com decided to hand out pallets of free Cheryl’s cookies and popcorn balls from The Popcorn Factory. As part of our Summer of Smiles Campaign, we sent a Smiles team to Citi Field on Tuesday, July 2nd, and spent the night delivering smiles to baseball fans. After watching the first five innings of the game, our team gathered at the main entrance, ready to brighten up the days of the many fans that were leaving the ball park.

Although it got a bit hectic at some points, the shocked and thankful reactions of the fans encouraged us to work hard. We stayed until the very end so that we could give away cookies and popcorn to the dedicated fans who sat through the rain to see the entire game. By the end of the day, we were able to put a smile on the faces of thousands of people. To top it all off, the Mets came away with a win! Now, that’s what I call a great day.

On Monday July 1, 2013, the 1-800-Flowers.com Summer of a Million Smiles program gave a special 4^th of July salute to the war veterans at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, N.Y. To show our heroes appreciation and gratitude for their service, we delivered star-spangled smiles to the nursing home with dozens of patriotic flowers!

Smile Squad team leader and 1-800-Flowers.com employee Maureen Paradine headed to the Northport VA Medical Center with her co-workers Kelly Trench, John Sharkey, Marc Cole, Christine Brooks, Cynthia Thompson, Pam Sciala, Tina Finnochiaro, Jalisa Clark and Rachel Armendariz to pay homage to the nursing home veterans, who live there year-round. Each veteran living at the Northport VA Medical Center was injured in the line of duty while serving in the military.

To help make the nursing home extra-festive in time for its annual 4^th of July dinner, the Smile Squad decorated the halls with an Americana Heart Preserved Wreath and adorned the dining room with 35 beautiful patriotic arrangements and brightly lit candles. Once the decorations were ready, the team also hand-delivered red, white and blue carnations—and big smiles to match—to 119 patients.

At the end of the day, Smile Squad members were fortunate enough to enjoy a private luncheon with the vets, during which they presented a beautiful bouquet to a WWII and Korean War veteran and his lovely wife of 57 years. The 4^th of July Summer of a Million Smiles event team was also most fortunate to receive product donations from 1-800-Flowers.com’s supplier partners: Pavilion Gift Company, Infinite Rose, Floral Treasure, Pacific Bouquet and DelawareValley. Their thoughtful and generous contributions brought smiles to everyone’s faces!

After meeting so many amazing heroes—such as a POW Commander and a D-Day Beach Lander—and listening to their touching military stories, the 1-800-Flowers.com Smile Squad thanked each one for their service and wished them a happy 4th of July. The day was emotionally charged and unforgettable for the team members, who were all so happy to be a part of such a special day.

“My Summer of a Million Smiles team had the best day visiting with the Vets at the Northport VA Hospital,” says Smile Squad member and 1-800-Flowers.com employee Rachel Armendariz. “Paying tribute to these brave and honorable soldiers makes me proud to be an American. Thank you to 1-800-Flowers.com for putting the program together!”

On Tuesday, June 4th, members of the 1-800-Flowers.com Smile Squad delivered smiles to the Franklin Elementary School in Hempstead, NY by
hand-delivering floral corsages for the school’s first annual Father Daughter Dance.

1-800-Flowers.com participated in the event because of the brand’s expertise in specialty floral designs. Assistant Principal, Miriam Ortiz, was full of joy when the team arrived at the door with corsages and two additional centerpieces. The school volunteers showed great appreciation and gratitude for our efforts in their community.

“Words cannot completely express the gratitude that our students and staff had to both you and 1-800-Flowers.com for the wonderful donation,” said Ortiz. “You defined what it truly means to put ‘Children First!’ Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

As Jaime Baker, 1-800-Flowers.com employee and member of the Smile Squad, explained: “The excitement of the PTA volunteers to throw this event and knowing how much hard work was done by them, personally made me feel proud to be part of an organization that helped contribute to that excitement.”

1-800-Flowers.com employee Bob Lawkins added: “The opportunity to visit the Franklin School and provide corsages for their first annual Father Daughter dance was a great experience. Many teachers, employees and volunteers worked very hard with a modest budget to make it a magical night for the families, and they greatly appreciated the special addition of flowers for the girls. We’ve heard that all of the students loved receiving the flowers from their Dads.”

Jillian Snell, 1-800-Flowers.com employee, perfectly summed up the experience: “The smiles that we received walking into the school was a truly amazing experience; it was an honor to be part of the 1-800-Flowers team that day!”

1-800-Flowers.com is proud to partner with Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating schools, programs and global communities around the common goal of education for all. For each corsage donated to the dance, 1-800-Flowers.com donated $2 to Pencils of Promise. Additionally, Franklin School officials made a personal donation to the cause.

It’s time to stand up and join the fight against cancer: June is Cancer Immunotherapy Awareness Month!

Every day, new advances are being made in a revolutionary new treatment called cancer immunotherapy: a type of therapy that strengthens the immune system’s ability to overcome the disease. To show our support and increase awareness of this research, 1-800-Flowers.com has teamed up with the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) to raise funds for their ongoing efforts to put an end to cancer.

As one of the many events this month that help the public learn more about cancer immunotherapy and help save the lives of more cancer victims, 1-800-Flowers.com team members participated in Wear White for a Cure Day on June 7^th and donated their funds to CRI. Check out a few photos of us sharing some smiles and proudly showing our support at the office:

And now you can join forces with us too! As a proud partner of the Cancer Research Institute, 1-800-Flowers.com has created the Fight With White collection of white-themed flowers and gifts to deliver smiles of hope to everyone. Every time you make a purchase for yourself or a loved one, 10 percent of net proceeds will be donated to CRI! So show your support for Cancer Awareness Month and dress up your home or office with a beautiful white bouquet. With your help, we’ll get one step closer to finding a cure for cancer!