Candidate for a Cause brings florists together
Fri, 2015-11-27 05:57
News Staff
During Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, city council place 1 candidate Azeita Taylor will be focusing her Candidate for a Cause efforts on helping one small business owner who has added much to the community. Michele McGuire, owner of Michele’s Floral and Gifts in Copperas Cove, has been battling pancreatitis since April 2014.
The illness has taken a toll on her ability to actively operate her business or even function in daily tasks. Due to this fact and mounting medical bills, Michele’s finances have deteriorated tremendously.
“Our hope is that this fundraiser will make a positive impact and gain much support from the community,” said Taylor.
Two well-known, locally owned florist shops, The Daisy and A&L Florist, Inc., have come together to support the fundraising efforts for McGuire. These florists will be donating a percentage of their sales during Small Business Saturday.
“Let’s help by patronizing these shops,” Taylor said. “If you need holiday centerpieces, wreaths, or flowers for any occasion, order them on Saturday so a percentage of the proceeds can be donated. The owners of these shops are amazing!”
The Daisy is located at 1028 Hawk Trail, (254) 547-6321; A&L Florist, Inc. is located at 303 W. Hwy. 190, (254) 547-7001)
“Another amazing thing is that the Copperas Cove Optimist Club will also be donating all proceeds from sales through its Thrift Shop located in the Cove Terrace Shopping Center on Saturday, Nov. 28. Store hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. I can’t say enough how thankful I am!” Taylor added.
Chronic pancreatitis affects the organ known as the pancreas, which is located below the stomach. The pancreas produces enzymes which help digest food, and also produces insulin, which regulates the level of sugar in the bloodstream. Chronic pancreatitis causes irreversible damage to the organ and is extremely painful. Some symptoms are nausea, vomiting, poor digestion and weight loss, a greatly increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The outlook is usually not very good.
Another way to help is to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/michelemcguire. If making donations directly to Michele McGuire, please drop them off at her florist shop located at 821 E. US 190. Make all checks payable to Michele McGuire.
Taylor’s previous Candidate for a Cause focused on the Copperas Cove Soup Kitchen, and as a result the soup kitchen received some much-needed maintenance, repairs and freshly-painted trim outside, along with a new stove and refrigerator inside. Taylor’s goal was to raise $500 for the soup kitchen as well.