Cancer Society to Sell Daffodils for Patients

The American Cancer Society’s Orange County Region is selling daffodils through Feb. 28 to raise both money and the spirits of cancer patients.

The yellow bouquets can be dedicated to friends and loved ones, but contributors are also encouraged to purchase bouquets anonymously for cancer patients whose morale might need a boost, said Margaret Edwards, director of marketing for the society’s Orange County chapter.

“They are the first flower of spring, the first flower of hope,” Edwards said of the daffodils. “We turn Orange County yellow.”

Proceeds from the flower sales go toward research, education and treatment. Last year, the Orange County chapter raised $240,000. Organizers hope the event, now in its 12th year, will raise $250,000 this year.

Participants can purchase $7 to $110 arrangements through Feb. 28. Various vases are available. The minimum order for an anonymous gift is $10.

The daffodils will be shipped from Seattle to Orange County in time for the March 17-18 event. Edwards said winter storms in the Pacific Northwest have not yet harmed the flowers, which are grown in Washington state fields.

“Luckily, the daffodils haven’t floated away yet,” she said.

The nationwide drive, known as Daffodil Days is one of the cancer society’s key fund-raisers. Californians raised more than $2 million for the nonprofit organization last year.

Orange County flower orders of $50--along with anonymous orders of any value--will be delivered to patients March 17-18. Other purchases can be picked up at the Pond of Anaheim, the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa and the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Laguna Niguel.

Volunteers also are needed to help deliver the flowers to cancer patients and hand out bouquets at various sites.

Information: (714) 261-9446.