Point Park students spread love with flowers on Valentine’s Day
Deliveries help to raise funds for trips, soccer
Where normally there are couches, tables and lounge furniture in the lobby of Point Park University’s Lawrence Hall, Wednesday morning there was a jungle of red roses and baby’s breath. Hundreds of bouquets of flowers lined tables and filled laundry carts, ready for what is surely one of Pittsburgh’s most romantic school fundraisers.
For the past six years, Point Park students have pitched in to help florists on what is by far their busiest day of the year. This year, 85 students delivered nearly 300 bouquets to lovebirds in Downtown office buildings. The students also deliver flowers on the day before Valentine’s Day and on Administrative Professionals Day, which is April 25 this year.
“We used to advertise on Craigslist and we would hire people for two days — Valentine’s Day and the day before,” said Rick Conley, president and owner of Oliver Flowers, Downtown. “This has worked out well. The kids are enthusiastic and they’re excited when they’re raising money.”
The fundraiser began after a florist mentioned to a Point Park graduate assistant that the store could use some help on Valentine’s Day. In the past, all the money has gone to support the John Fallon Travel Fund, which helps students afford domestic and international trips. This year, the women’s soccer team pitched in, too, to raise money for its operating budget. The school receives $5.50 per bouquet of flowers delivered, and students deliver for Oliver Flowers, Jim Ludwig’s Blumengarten Florist, Parkway Florist and others.
“I’ve never done something like this before — it was nice to see all the good intentions, all the good vibes all around,” said Vanessa Vivas, an 18-year-old freshman. “I don’t really have Valentine’s Day plans, so this is the best way I can take that energy and give something good to the world.”
Mr. Conley said he had heard of