Hy Havan, a local florist from the Grand Rapids area, played a significant role in a meaningful project that took center stage during the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Co-owner of Kennedy’s Flower Shop, Havan joined a team of four florists to design the inspiring One Legacy float. This float was crafted not merely for aesthetic appeal but to push forward a vital message about organ donation, a cause deeply personal to many involved, including Havan.
The One Legacy float became an emblem of hope and transformation, adorned with over 6,000 flowers, including a striking 2,000 red roses. This elaborate spectacle was more than just a visual delight; it symbolized the beauty and life-restoring power of organ donation. Many of the volunteers who devoted their time and creative energy to the project had direct experiences with organ transplants, either as donors or recipients. For them, the float was a tribute to the life-giving potential of organ donation.
For Havan, the project resonated on a personal level, as she had experienced the impact of organ donation firsthand through a friend’s kidney transplant. She described the opportunity to work on such an important message as unforgettable, adding extraordinary depth to her professional achievements as a florist. Her dedication and involvement exemplify a blend of floral artistry with heartfelt advocacy.
The float’s message did not go unnoticed, culminating in an award and further recognition at the parade. As it coasted down the parade route, it not only captured the eyes of the viewers but also their hearts, fostering awareness and encouraging conversations about organ donation. Hy Havan’s journey, part of which can be explored online, reflects a compelling intersection of personal passion and profession in the advocacy for lifesaving medical advancements in transplantation.
