The Story
Behind reBloom
How discarded flowers became a growing community of kindness.
Our Origins Story
by founder, executive director - Erin Williams
As Naples natives and artists, my husband and I have watched our hometown transform from the laid-back beach town where we once wandered barefoot down a quiet Fifth Avenue into a destination where barefoot simplicity has given way to well-heeled sophistication. What was once casual and close-knit now draws visitors from around the world—a place where beauty and abundance are everywhere, but not always shared equally.
My husband, a glassblower, often demonstrates his craft at luxury hotels and private events. After these gatherings, he began to notice piles of freshly cut flowers — still vibrant, still fragrant — tossed aside in dumpsters at the end of the night. Knowing my love of all things green, he started bringing a few stems home. Soon, a few stems became armfuls, and I found myself gathering and rearranging the remnants into new, unexpected creations.
It felt fitting. In our home, art and upcycling often meet. My rescued flowers sat on a coffee table crafted from salvaged wood, across from our favorite couch — a nearly new find we discovered on the side of the road one anniversary evening. That night we canceled our dinner reservations to rescue it, realizing it was a treasure worth more than some cars. For two artists who tend to see a second life in things , it felt natural to breathe new life into these forgotten blooms.
One day, close to Christmas, I realized the florals had taken over our living room — far more flowers than one family could ever need. So we bundled them into small bouquets, placed them in some extra vases my husband had made and balanced them on the laps of our two young boys; and drove to a nearby senior community center. Watching our children hand flowers to residents — seeing the smiles, the laughter, and the light those simple gestures sparked — changed everything.
There were smiles and moments of connection that seemed to mean far more than the flowers themselves. What had begun as a simple effort to keep something beautiful out of the trash had become something entirely different.I began to see the possibilities beyond our own family.
Naples has an extraordinary abundance of celebrations, and with them, flowers that often have only a few hours to fulfill their original purpose. At the same time, our community is full of people who could enjoy that beauty in a different way: patients and seniors, teachers and caregivers, students celebrating milestones, and neighbors who simply deserve an unexpected moment of kindness.
And what if the process of giving flowers a second life could be just as meaningful as receiving them? Students could learn creativity and service through floral arranging. Generations could come together over shared projects. Florists, event planners, schools, and volunteers could each contribute something different to a collective effort.
That idea became reBloom Collective.
Today, what began with a few salvaged stems has grown into a nonprofit supported by students, volunteers, and community partners. Three generations of our own family are involved, but the most rewarding part has been watching the circle expand beyond us.
At its heart, reBloom is about seeing possibility where others might see an ending—recognizing that something beautiful still has more to give, and that a simple gesture can create connections we never anticipated.
Our Vision
A community where beautiful resources are shared, generations connect through giving, and small gestures create lasting impact.
Our Mission
To give event flowers a second life through creative reuse, community partnerships, and acts of kindness that bring people together.
The Faces Behind the Flowers
Our board members are the guiding force behind reBloom. With their experience, creativity, and dedication, they help shape our programs, support our volunteers, and keep our mission thriving.
Michael Dougherty
Bridget Washburn
Erin Williams
Jennifer Barell
Magen Hovland
Emily Arnold
Our Partners
We are grateful to the florists, event planners, schools, healthcare organizations, and community partners who help make reBloom possible. Together, we give event flowers a second life and bring beauty to our community.
Help Us Grow
From florists and event planners to schools, businesses, and community organizations, we're always looking for partners who believe beautiful things are worth sharing.