Daffodil Days help bring spring a bit closer

Following the record snowfall that befell Boston last month, it’s hard to imagine (though not for a lack of trying) that spring will ever arrive. Thankfully, with Harvard’s annual Daffodil Days fundraiser now under way, the art of seasonal visualization becomes a whole lot easier.

A fundraising staple at the University for the past 17 years, the Daffodil Days at Harvard program will deliver a vivid bouquet to University faculty, staff, and students for just $7, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. With the help of more than 80 area coordinators throughout the University, the bunch of daffodils (10 flowers, to be precise) is delivered via mail services on March 21. The last day to put in an order is Feb. 25.

The program attributes its success to the past leadership efforts of Rita Corkery, former associate director of Community Affairs and a breast cancer survivor, who began Daffodil Days at Harvard in 1988, and Carole Lee, former department administrator for government, community and public affairs, who retired from the University in 2002. Both women helped to get the program off the ground and brought it to the success that it is today.

Back in 1988, sales reached $2,500, and have since jumped to $35,500 last year as Harvard staff, faculty, and students purchased nearly 5,000 bouquets. Harvard was the second top-seller in New England and was subsequently honored by the American Cancer Society as top University seller for 2004. Total contributions to date, meanwhile, equal nearly $400,000.

Orders are placed through local volunteer coordinators around the University. To locate your coordinator, or to volunteer to help, please contact Julie Russell in the Office of Community Affairs at (617) 495-4955, or julie_russell@harvard.edu.