DFI's Flowers, Songs, and Feels Quickly Catches On

In late October, Downtown Framingham, Inc. (DFI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building business, community, and culture, launched a program dubbed Flowers, Songs, and Feels. Objectives of the program include providing positive engagement and wellness support through bouquets from Viva's Flower Shop, personalized poems, and uplifting songs from local musicians. Small businesses, entertainers, and local neighbors are all struggling in varying ways this year, especially during the holidays.

"I helped Crys, owner of Viva's Flower Shop, complete a small business grant application, so I was thinking of more unique ways to help her business. I was pretty shocked, however, when Crys offered to sponsor the bouquets for these surprise events. It really means a lot to me that we have such a close partnership, and Crys loves the extra visibility for her business," said Courtney Thraen, creator of Flowers, Songs, and Feels and Executive Director of DFI.

Since launching in November, six surprise events have been held. Three were held in private driveways, two were held at Potter Road School, and one was held at The Shillman House. Anyone is welcome to nominate someone to receive a bouquet, customized poem, and songs, no questions asked. Each time, Viva's Flower Shop has gladly sponsored a variety of beautiful bouquets. DFI has had the pleasure of working with two local musicians, Matt Madden and Richie Hudson, the latter who grew up in south Framingham.

"Being isolated for so much of 2020 has been and continues to be really hard, and Downtown Framingham, Inc. is accustomed to hosting several arts and entertainment events each year that employ several local musicians. Holding these surprise events really seemed like a great way to bring back these elements in real life and make our area a better place, even if for just 10 minutes," said Thraen.