Floral show to help Fremd music department

For the past 20 years, Glen Egeland and his Barrington Flower Shop have been among the featured florists in the Fremd High School Music Association's Floral Design Showcase.

This year, despite the downturn in the economy and tightening of wallets, Egeland wouldn't miss it.

In fact, he and the same five florists as last year return Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Palatine school's Kolze Auditorium, where they'll give away 40 arrangements - including some valued as much as $500 - featuring roses, tulips, hydrangea and all other spring flowers.

The featured florists are Busse's Flowers & Gifts in Mount Prospect, Payton Floral Company in Lake Barrington, Surroundings by Colin and Sylvia's Flowers in Arlington Heights.

Why? Egeland, for one, says florists can't buy this kind of visibility, even during a recession.

"When people actually see us doing the arranging, they get really excited," Egeland says. "They learn about the flowers we're using, and how we arrange them, and see the different styles of each of the designers."

One of the spring designs he expects to feature is called "Sunshine and Smiles." The premium arrangement mixes gerber daisies, snapdragons, larkspur, Astons, and stock, with roses and lizzianthus, to come up with a bright and perky display.

"It's so much better than seeing the arrangements in pictures," Egeland says of the Design Showcase.

Members of the Fremd Music Association agree, adding that the unique formula has proved to be a winning fundraiser for the high school's music program for the last 30 years.

"It's a unique event that draws parents and many people from the community," says Cathy Szmurlo of Palatine, publicity chairwoman.

New this year is the commentary by Joyce Grattoni, past chairwoman of the horticulture department at Harper College, who will serve as emcee for the evening, while Fremd student musicians will provide the entertainment.

Proceeds benefit the school's award winning music department, which serves more than 500 students involved in its bands, choruses and orchestra. Additionally, the event will help with the band's March performance trip to Hawaii.

Admission for the evening is $20, and each ticket serves as a raffle chance to win one of the many arrangements.

For ticket information, visit the Fremd Music Association's web site, at: fhs.d211.org/departments/music/fma.htm.