Every community is shaped by people who quietly make a difference.
The teacher who stayed late.
The neighbor who checks in.
The mentor who opened a door.
The friend who showed up when it mattered.
The artist, organizer, caregiver, volunteer, coworker, or family member whose impact deserves to be recognized.
Give Them Their Flowers is an ongoing storytelling project celebrating the people who help Richmond thrive.
Give Them Their Flowers
Why We Created
This Project
Flowers have long been used to mark milestones, express gratitude, and honor the people we care about.
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Too often, recognition arrives after someone is gone.
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We wanted to create something different.
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Give Them Their Flowers exists to celebrate people while they are here to receive appreciation, hear their impact reflected back to them, and understand how deeply they matter to others.
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Through nominations, conversations, interviews, and shared stories, we're building a living archive of gratitude across Richmond.
How It Works
​Step
1
Nominate Someone
Share the story of a person whose kindness, leadership, creativity, generosity, or presence has made a difference.
​Step
2
Stories Are Reviewed
Our team reviews submissions and identifies stories to feature throughout the project.
​Step
3
Flowers Are Shared
Selected honorees may receive flowers, recognition, interviews, or community spotlights.
​Step
4
Stories Live On
Together we're building a growing archive celebrating the people who help shape our communities.
Who Comes to Mind?
A teacher.
A mentor.
A coach.
A parent.
A grandparent.
A neighbor.
A volunteer.
A caregiver.
An artist.
A community organizer.
A small business owner.
Someone who helped you through a difficult season.
Someone who believed in you before you believed in yourself.
Someone whose work often goes unnoticed.
If you're thinking about someone right now, they may be exactly who we're looking for.
Community Stories
Selected stories, interviews, and reflections from Give Them Their Flowers will live here as the project grows.
We're building a living archive of appreciation, one story at a time.
Coming Soon
The first community stories will be featured here following our 804 Day activation.
Community Appreciation Matters
Strong communities are built through relationships.
They are shaped by educators who invest in students, neighbors who look after one another, volunteers who give their time, artists who create spaces for connection, caregivers who offer support, and leaders who work quietly behind the scenes.
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Give Them Their Flowers is an invitation to slow down, recognize that work, and share gratitude more openly.
Because recognition shouldn't be reserved for special occasions.
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Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer is simply letting someone know their efforts mattered.
Ways to Participate
Nominate Someone
Help us celebrate a person whose impact deserves recognition.
Become a Partner
Support future storytelling activations and community recognition efforts.
Stay Connected
Receive project updates and future opportunities to participate.