As the spring nears, Cal State Long Beach, along with more than 5,000 California organizations, will participate with the American Cancer Society in putting on its annual Daffodil Days: Gift of Hope campaign, according to the American Cancer Society Web site.
The project raises money by selling bunches of daffodils ranging from the sunshine bouquet, which costs $10 for 10 daffodils, to the vision package, which costs $35 for two bouquets and a 6.25-inch glass vase, according to the American Cancer Society Web site.
“Most of the money earned at Cal State Long Beach stays in local programs and goes towards research, education and transportation for those undergoing treatments,” said Lori Evans, administrative coordinator of the event. She acts as a bridge between the American Cancer Society and CSULB.
Since 1996, Daffodil Days has raised $40,000 at CSULB, according to Evans, who has been on the campaign since 1996.
In 1996, it earned $1,300 and $4,000 in 2002, she said.
Last year, Evans and her staff raised almost $7,000.
“Every year, I try to raise $1,000 more,” Evans said. “My goal is to have one representative of the campaign on every floor in every building on campus. If the students, faculty and staff got involved, I think it would be amazing.”
All orders must be in by Feb. 21. Evans’ staff members will turn in orders to her, and she said she sends them to the American Cancer Society. When the flowers arrive on March 12, Evans and the staff members will notify purchasers to pick up their orders.
Students, faculty and staff can place orders with Daffodil Days staff in Brotman Hall in rooms 101, 155 and 363, the Foundation Building Room 332, Horn Center Room 103, Macintosh Building Room 209A and at the University Student Union in rooms 201C and 212A. Students, faculty and staff can also contact the local American Cancer Society office or call Evans at (562) 985-5489.
The daffodil is the first flower of spring, according to Evans.
“Even through snow, a daffodil will push its way through to blossom,” Evans said. “It represents hope that the world will be free of cancer.”
