Barbara Bertran volunteers as a Garden of Innocence Board member and Flower Coordinator for our babies' services.
My husband and I started Four Seasons Flowers Shop in September 1974, in Poway, CA. Together, with my high school age daughters, we set up a houseplant business with pottery, macram�, and plant accessories. After a couple of years we decided to add florist work.
It has been a great family business as all of my 6 children have worked at the stores at one time or another. My daughter, Carma, bought the business six years ago, so she is the owner now--and I am a part-time employee. I thoroughly enjoy the floral business. Once you do something like this it is hard to get out completely.
I became involved with the Garden of Innocence through a business acquaintance who approached me to provide flowers for some of the services. I found out about what the Garden was all about and immediately said, "Yes!"
My heart was touched each time I attended a service. Four years ago I became a Board Member. Plus, I enjoy volunteering as Flower Coordinator. I still provide flower services as well as working with other volunteers who want to help with flowers for the services.
It is a rewarding experience being a part of the Garden and it means a lot to me to be able to be part of an organization that is so special. I feel we fill a very special need in our community. If we were not there to fulfill it, these babies would not be given their due respect.