On April 17, 2024, the 111th First Lady’s Luncheon, hosted annually by the Congressional Club, was graced by the exquisite beauty of floral decorations sponsored by Certified American Grown. Held in honor of the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, the event’s floral splendor received high praise from the First Lady herself, who remarked, “Aren’t these flowers amazing!”
The luncheon, chaired by Heather Obernolte (spouse of Representative Jay Obernolte) of California, embraced the theme “Soaring to New Heights,” paying homage to the rich history of aviation in the United States. This theme was magnificently reflected in the decor, which featured grand floral arches adorned with hundreds of paper airplanes, expansive blue sky back drops, aerial performers and elegant installations that embodied the spirit of flight and adventure.
The success of this event was made possible through the generous contributions of several key sponsors, farms and the dedicated efforts of a volunteer design team:
Another remarkable aspect of the luncheon was the all-volunteer design team, composed of talented floral designers from across the country. Leading the team was Jennifer Reed of Jennifer Designs, with Kelly Shore of Petals of the Shore and The Floral Source serving as support lead and co-lead. The team worked tirelessly for three days, putting in long hours and late nights to create the stunning displays that transformed the venue into a floral paradise.
Pictured left to right: Lead Designer Jennifer Reed of Jennifer Designs, Camron King, CEO & Ambassador of Certified American Grown; Co-Lead and Support Designer Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore and The Floral Source
Listed in alphabetical order: Jennifer Reed, Kelly Shore, Amber Flack, Cassie Plummer, Charlotte Biladeau, Daica Skrobala, Eric Schellack, Erika Davis, Gretchen Mattison, Katie Whener, Kelly Meringolo, Kristie Van Horn, Nicole Bond, Rosemary Cummings, Sara Araujo, Shannon Toal, Sydney Garvey, Tyler Dickinson, Val Foote; Not pictured Scott Rusch
The event featured over 160 table pieces, a long floral-adorned runway, and several installations and arches. All of these were created with over 20,000 stems of flowers and foliage donated by numerous farms nationwide, highlighting the abundance and diversity of American-grown botanicals. This remarkable contribution underscored the talent and dedication of American farmers, promoting the amazing variety and high quality of locally grown flowers and foliage.
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The collaboration of farms from across the country to contribute to this bipartisan event in Washington, D.C., was not just about showcasing floral beauty. It was also a powerful statement of advocacy for American agriculture and floriculture. This collective effort demonstrated the potential of American Grown floriculture and reinforced the message that American-grown flowers and foliage are a superior choice for any occasion and proved once again that American Grown florals can flourish on a grand stage. Special thanks go out to the farms that contributed to this event:
“The First Lady’s Lunch is the perfect opportunity to create relationships, foster support, and advocate of America flower and foliage farmers in a truly bi-partisan manner” comments Camron King, CEO & Ambassador for Certified American Grown. “The event is an opportunity like no other to foster the dialogue and connections needed to work on critical work for our members.”
Certified American Grown’s sponsorship and the collective efforts of the design team created an unforgettable atmosphere at the First Lady’s Luncheon. The event not only celebrated the country’s aviation history but also showcased the flourishing and reemerging state of American floriculture. The floral arrangements were a testament to the artistry and quality of flowers and foliage grown in the United States, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Dr. Jill Biden’s words, “Aren’t These Flowers Amazing,” encapsulated the collective sentiment of the guests, reflecting the success of the event and the exceptional efforts of all those involved. Guests left with armfuls of blooms, taking home a piece of the event’s magic.
In a world where the beauty of nature can often be overlooked, the 111th First Lady’s Luncheon served as a vibrant reminder of the elegance and excellence that American-grown farmers bring to any occasion. Certified American Grown, along with its partners and volunteer designers, truly soared to new heights in making this event a blooming success.
To view the entire album of images, click HERE.
Are you a designers interested in volunteering for this opportunity? Make sure to fill out our volunteer form on our supporters page HERE.
Photo Credits: Haley Richter Photography
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