Flower power: Daffodil Days, Harvard team up to fight cancer

The first flower of spring, the daffodil has long been a symbol of hope and renewal. It has also become a powerful tool in the American Cancer Society’s efforts to treat patients.

Beginning this month, Harvard will celebrate its 21st year as a key participant in the annual Daffodil Days fundraiser. Faculty, staff, and students can order the bright bouquets of 10 stems for $10 each, or purchase a bouquet of daffodils plus a limited edition, collectible Boyds Bear for $25. The last day to purchase items is Feb. 29.

On March 17, University Mail Services will deliver the bouquets and bears to more than 100 drop-off points and five local hospitals.

Daffodil Days at Harvard attributes its success to the past leadership of Rita Corkery, a former associate director of Community Affairs and a survivor of breast cancer who initiated the program at the University in 1988, and, more recently, to Carole Lee, a former department administrator for Government, Community and Public Affairs who retired from the University in August 2002. Both women helped to get the program off the ground and brought it to the success that it is today.

The first year, sales reached $2,500. In 2007, Harvard staff, faculty, and students purchased 5,400 bouquets and 231 bears to top sales at more than $45,000, earning Harvard the distinction of being the second highest seller in New England. Since the event’s inception, total contributions to the American Cancer Society have been more than $475,000.

Harvard’s top sellers for 2007 included Maura Kelley from the Law School ($3,341), Peter Conlin from the Development Office ($3,333), and Martha Foley from the Kennedy School ($3,041).

To locate your departmental coordinator or to volunteer, contact Julie Russell in the Office of Community and Public Affairs at (617) 495-4955 or julie_russell@harvard.edu.