At the close of each year’s OFA Short Course, extra plant material remains on the trade show floor and in the decorated areas of the Columbus convention center. OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals ensures that these products are put into the hands of those who most appreciate and need them. For several years the association has partnered with universities, hospitals, and mental health facilities to give them access to this extra plant material.
 
This year, the local Habitat for Humanity, Columbus Housing Partnership, and Ronald McDonald House are included in these efforts. Habitat for Humanity and the Columbus Housing Partnership will sell the product to consumers to raise money to support the organization’s mission. The Ronald McDonald House, Hospice facilities, and local nursing homes will have approximately 350 fresh floral arrangements delivered courtesy of the designers and volunteers. This fresh floral delivery is being coordinated by event volunteer Jody Brown-Spivey, owner of Expressions Floral Design Studio in Gahanna, Ohio.

 

The 2010 OFA Short Course, U.S. floriculture’s premier educational and trade show event, was held July 10-13 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Approximately 9,000 industry professionals from across the world were in attendance.