America wakes up to smell the Roses on Inauguration Day
Organic Bouquet offers Freedom®, a rose in honor of Rosa Parks
to celebrate the Inauguration of Barak Obama
San Francisco, CA (January 14, 2009) – OrganicBouquet.com, America's pioneer of sustainably grown flowers, in its ongoing partnership with The Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development (www.RosaParks.org) will market Freedom®, a rose in honor of Rosa Parks, in celebration of Barak Obama's presidential inauguration.
As the nation receives its new president, the online florist is encouraging its customers to commemorate a new era of peace and equality by sending a dozen Freedom® roses to someone you care about.
OrganicBouquet.com introduced "Freedom®, a rose in honor of Rosa Parks" to help raise funds and support the legacy of Rosa Parks through the work of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development by donating 10% of the proceeds.
"Giving a bunch of Freedom® roses is a joyous way to cheer this monumental occasion that invites the possibility of hope for a better world" said Claudio Miranda, president of Organic Bouquet.
Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development's core volunteers will be present at the swearing–in ceremonies of the 44th President of the United States of America. They are representing Rosa Parks, who changed the course of history in 1955 when she refused to give her seat to a white male passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The "Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement," is the first woman to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol and will be the first African American to have a full statue in Statuary Hall at the U. S. Capitol.
"Rosa Parks courageously, selflessly and tirelessly dedicated her life so we and future generations could live in a world of equality with civil and human rights. The inauguration of our country's first African American President is a triumphant testament of her life's work" said Ms. Anita Peek, Executive Director of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.
"As we witness this historic and transformational event, I am overwhelmed with emotion and know that Rosa Parks is beaming above us." said Elaine Steel, Mrs. Parks' friend of forty–five years and co–founder of the Institute. "Tears would be quietly running down her face as she thought of her ancestors, the enslaved, her parents, her brother, Dr. King, her friends and the extended community who went through legalized segregation with her. She knew we gave, suffered, fought and died to witness, such a time as this!"
"The partnership with Organic Bouquet, a leader in socially and environmentally–responsible products, is an important one as we move forward in our Rosa Parks: Next Generation campaign," said Lila Cabbil, Director of Programs and President Emeritus. "As her legacy organization, we strive to maintain consistency with the values and principles of Mrs. Parks, and teach future generations about the critical importance of environmental stewardship and care for the well–being of farm workers."
The Freedom® rose is widely regarded as one of the finest quality roses in the world, known for its vibrant red color, abundant petals, minimal thorns and long–lasting vase life. All Freedom® roses sold by Organic Bouquet are certified sustainably grown by Veriflora® an international program that guarantees environmental protection, fair labor practices and flower quality. One dozen Freedom roses retail for $59.95 (plus tax and shipping) and are available exclusively at www.OrganicBouquet.com.
Freedom®, a rose in honor of Rosa Parks, was orchestrated by Organic Bouquet through the generous permission granted to the company by Mr. Christian Evers, President of Rosen Tantau, the world–renowned rose breeder and owner of the successful Freedom® rose variety; and through an agreement with the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.
About the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development:
The Institute co–founded by Rosa Parks and Ms. Elaine Steele is a charitable, educational 501C3 that encourages youth to reach their highest potential through the Rosa Parks philosophy of "Quiet Strength" which incorporates life skills that demonstrate dignity with pride, courage with perseverance and power with discipline in a comfortable environment of peace.
The Institute sponsors intergenerational programming, voter education, environmental justice programs, peace prayer services, water rights and conflict resolution dialogue that has motivated youth and adults around the world to honor Mrs. Parks' virtues of quiet strength, freedom, and justice for all. Rosa Parks saw the energy of young people as a real force for change before the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It was among her most treasured priorities. Visit www.RosaParks.org to learn about the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development and their signature program, Pathways to Freedom.
About Organic Bouquet.:
OrganicBouquet.com (www.OrganicBouquet.com) is widely recognized as America's pioneer of certified sustainably grown flowers for people seeking beautiful gifts that uphold the well–being of the planet and humankind.
Media Contact for photos, scheduling interviews, details:
Organic Bouquet Inc.
Claudio Miranda, President
Claudio@organicbouquet.com
(415) 459–2904 x 201