WILLCOX, Ariz. (KGUN) — Randi Coleman is using her talent for floral design to help students in Willcox and surrounding areas by giving a little corsage or boutonnire this prom season.
She saw the idea for a corsage bar on social media, but she added a twist by making it a pay-what-you-can corsage bar.
“The idea is to have any kids who want a corsage or boutonniere, that they can have them whether they can afford it or not,” Coleman said.
So far he has done 20 for the students of St. David and San Simone. She expects more requests to come in this week with more proms happening this weekend.
When Coleman shared his idea, other businesses in Willcox wanted to help the cause. Leigha Burris, owner of Bakeser’s Pastries, said when Coleman told her about the project she wanted to help. Burris and other local businesses paid for the cost of the corsages and boutonnieres so the students could get what they wanted for free.
“I love to give, especially to the kids,” Burris said. “Everyone deserves a beautiful dress, a beautiful corsage. Everyone deserves that. And it’s great that they get those things locally. “
Some of the families who received one of the donated items chose to pay it back.
“The kids really appreciate it, and so do their parents,” Coleman said. “And some kids are excited to give back to other kids so it’s really fun.”
At the end of prom season, Coleman said she estimates 50 students will receive flowers from her store as part of this program. He said that he plans to continue this activity and develop what he is doing now in the future. Burris said he would help “as long as (Coleman) would let him.”
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Alexis Ranjulu a Cochise County reporter for KGUN 9. He began his journalism career reporting for the Herald/Review in Sierra Vista, which he also calls home. Share your story ideas with Alexis by email alexis.ramanjulu@kgun9.com or by connecting to Facebook.