About Us

Valentine’s Day 2008 left Patti and Dave DeBlass, owners of Schmidt’s Flowers and Accessories (SFA), in Williamsburg, VA, with an abundance of roses. Not wanting to waste them and knowing how everyone loves to receive flowers, Patti offered them to some local continuing care communities.

The response from the facilities was overwhelming as flowers have a positive effect on mood, and Patti was asked if this could be done on a regular basis. As a responsible business owner, who believes in community service, Patti thought about the feasibility of this idea. Thus the seed was sown, and a non-profit was set in motion.Once the non-profit was established, some basics were needed for this to work: flowers and vases, a work space, and volunteers.

After a story ran in a local paper, several businesses committed to providing flowers; Schmidt’s provided the work space; vases were donated by the community; and five volunteers came forward to arrange and deliver flowers. It has grown tremendously with a full roster of volunteers who continue with Patti’s vision: to provide blooms that brighten the days for some very special clientele. Blooms That Brighten, Inc. (BTB) currently has a supportive board of directors, a trademarked logo and a plan to continue expanding its service area coverage.