A Career in the Bank

Valerie Banks, the dynamic force behind the Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, is retiring after nearly 15 years.

Since assuming leadership in 2008, Valerie has grown the popular program from humble beginnings at Santa Barbara’s Saturday Farmers Market, forging partnerships with local growers and flower wholesalers, while rallying dozens of volunteers.

Today the enthusiastic helpers create between 150 and 200 bouquets each week for people in need of comfort and cheer in our Eden by the Beach, and the program has delivered more than 125,000 bouquets to personal and nursing homes, care facilities, infusion centers, and hospitals.

A blooming good career…