Sakata Seed, Kitayama Brother Nurseries partner for Petal it Forward

SANTA CRUZ – Sakata Seed America and Kitayama Brother Nurseries and Floralife have announced their third year of partnership for participation in Society of American Florists’ "Petal it Forward event.

This year, Petal it Forward is Wednesday, Oct. 23. Florists nationwide will randomly surprise people on the street with flowers in 410 cities in all 50 states. Lucky recipients will receive two bouquets — one to keep, and one to share.

"Petal it Forward is an opportunity for the floral industry to team up and give back to our local communities by spreading the joy of giving and receiving flowers – it’s a fun and inspiring way to remind ourselves and the world why we do what we do every day," said Alicia Suits, senior marketing manager of Sakata Seed.

Since the Society of American Florists organized the nationwide annual random-acts-of-kindness effort in 2015, Sakata Seed and Kitayama Brothers have handed out over 1,000 bouquets on the streets of the companies’ local communities, including Oldtown Salinas, downtown Monterey and now downtown Santa Cruz.  

"We are excited to bring Petal it Forward to the Santa Cruz community, where we live and operate our business," said Kitayama Brothers President Robert Kitayama. "Petal it Forward is a prime example of the industry coming together for a common goal; we are proud to partake in this initiative to elevate consumer perceptions about flowers build a stronger floral industry and community."

To get involved, visit safnow.org or explore the initiative on social media hashtags, #petalitforward and #flowerpower.