Jerome Raska Named to Floral Association Hall of Fame, Community Celebration Oct. 17

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 11, 2023)

Holly, MI – Celebrating a career of 43 years in the floral industry, Jerome Raska of Blumz is being inducted into the Great Lakes Floral Association Hall of Fame.

The ceremony takes place Oct. 17 and is a fundraiser for the Great Lakes Floral Association Foundation, which provides training and development for those who help spread comfort and cheer through the world with flowers. The evening is a chance to enjoy the beautiful space of Venue 111, part of the Holly Vault collection, as well as to enjoy a lovely meal, network, and of course celebrate Jerome’s success.

Raska remembers his first GLFA conference back in the 1980s. “I sat in the front row in awe of the presenters and the information being shared. I found my future at that event,” he said.

Through the decades Raska has owned flower shops, most recently Blumz which he opened with partner Robbin Yelverton in 2002 in Ferndale. Blumz also had a Detroit location before the pandemic, and currently has a second location in Downtown Holly.

The list of design awards, community awards, and those for leadership is long, but the honor that stands out most to Jerome was The Tommy Bright Award, presented by the The Professional Floral Communicators International in 2013, in recognition of the work Raska has done across the country and internationally as an educator.

“Flowers have been known throughout time, and across cultures, to convey emotions. We know that giving someone a bouquet of flowers can change their day. Flowers are a powerful tool, and I’m excited about the education that the Great Lakes Floral Association provides to secure the continuous passion that floral artists across the county put into their work.”

Raska has been a member of GLFA for over 40 years. He has served on countless committees as well as the Board of Directors for both the GLFA and GLFF. He served the Association as President from 2003 – 2005 and then again from 2016 – 2020 and as GLFF Chairman from 2020 – 2022. In addition to mentoring others in the profession, Jerome has been an active community member, serving as Chair of the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, serving 16 years on the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority, and being part of countless other festivals, fundraisers, and events.

The GLAA event page says “Jerome has always been known for his impeccable work ethic and his service to the industry and community. His positive can-do attitude is unparalleled and very infectious!”

The evening festivities will begin at 6pm with a reception, dinner will follow from 7p-8p. The Hall of Fame induction will take place from 8p-9p. The evening will conclude at 9p. More info and tickets can be found at https://greatlakesfloralassociation.org/event/2023-glff-hall-of-fame-dinner/