TORRINGTON – A community fundraising effort by Fresh Foods to brighten the lives of nursing home and hospice residents exceeded expectations last month, raising 850 roses for local care facilities.
The Rose Campaign, which ran for just over three weeks in September, invited customers to donate $1 per rose. Store manager Dan Sherrow said the initiative was inspired by a similar program in Torrington.
“Let’s Spread Some Smiles” served as the campaign’s motto, Sherrow said.
“Our goal was simple yet impactful – to remind the residents of these facilities that someone is always thinking of them,” he said.
The community response surprised organizers. Sherrow called the support “absolutely amazing and heartfelt.”
“The outpouring of support truly showed how much this campaign resonated with everyone,” he said.
Sherrow credited assistant store manager Skyler Sullivan with playing a pivotal role in executing the plan. Sullivan joined Sherrow in hand-delivering roses to Goshen Healthcare, the Alzheimer’s Unit and Gold Manor on Sept. 26.
The reception from residents left a lasting impression on the delivery team.
“Witnessing the reception from the residents was genuinely heartwarming,” Sherrow said. “The smiles, warm welcomes and heartfelt gratitude from both staff and residents were unforgettable. It was a powerful reminder of the simple joy that small gestures can bring.”
The campaign’s success has Sherrow considering a repeat performance.
“Given the overwhelming success and emotional impact, I would absolutely love to run a similar campaign again,” he said. “This experience has been incredibly rewarding, reaffirming the power of community and kindness in spreading smiles where they’re needed most.”
