[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 194 (Monday, November 16, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H5750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF LARSEN JAY

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, during the coronavirus pandemic, community 
organizations in east Tennessee stepped up to help our neighbors in 
need. I rise today to highlight the efforts of Random Acts of Flowers, 
which recently delivered its 500,000th bouquet; and to recognize the 
retirement of its founder, my good friend, Larsen Jay.
  In 2007, Larsen Jay was in the hospital recovering from an accident, 
and he noticed many patients weren't receiving visitors or flowers. He 
reflected on the amount of support he received and wanted others to 
have that encouragement, too. Larsen founded Random Acts of Flowers in 
2008 to deliver repurposed flowers to local hospital patients and 
seniors in nursing homes.
  The nonprofit recycles arrangements donated from events like weddings 
and makes them into beautiful floral bouquets. Since opening its doors 
in Knoxville, the nonprofit has grown to serve folks in Indianapolis 
and Tampa Bay, Florida.
  Random Acts of Flowers has safely resumed operations after a pause 
during the coronavirus pandemic. Isolation continues to be a serious 
problem for seniors and those in poor health during this crisis, but 
outstanding organizations like Random Acts of Flowers are here to let 
our neighbors know they are loved and supported.
  Mr. Speaker, after reaching the milestone of delivering half a 
million bouquets, Larsen Jay announced his retirement from Random Acts 
of Flowers. He has long been active in community service, currently 
serving as chairman of the Knox County Commission.
  I know he will continue to find ways to make an impact in our 
community. I thank him for his efforts to make Random Acts of Flowers a 
successful and meaningful organization in east Tennessee and I 
congratulate the nonprofit on its 500,000th delivery.

                          ____________________