Petal it Forward coming Oct. 14

Petals & Pages will hit the streets of Custer on Wednesday, Oct. 14, handing out flowers to Custer residents to help brighten up their week, as part of the “Petal it Forward” program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Petals & Pages is a member. 
Carrie Moore, owner, as well as members of other businesses in the communities of Custer and Hill City, are joining thousands of florists across the country in Petal It Forward. This random-acts-of-kindness effort is in response to the release of data by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers.
This year, Petals & Pages is partnering with 12 businesses in Custer and Hill City to participate in the program. Moore and the Petal It Forward participants will give away over 500 flowers to unsuspecting community members. After receiving their flowers, recipients are asked to spread the happiness by gifting their extra flower bouquet and sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward.
Participating locations this year are Miner’s Cup, South Dakota Outdoor Shop, Hjem AM, Skogen Kitchen, The Custer Wolf, A Walk in the Woods, Custer County Candy Company, Custer Dental Studio and Custer County Library (all in Custer); The Farmer’s Daughter, Hill City Library and Lost Cabin Beer Co.’s beer garden (all in Hill City).
Moore and a few friends will also walk throughout downtown Custer handing out bouquets to city and county staff the post office, the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce and other businesses.
“We’re changing up the format this year, as many other businesses and community members have wanted to participate in this special day,” Moore said. “There’s always room for everyone to spread cheer and happiness.”
University research reveals that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. Now, a survey has found that, when it comes to flowers, it’s just as good to give as it is to receive.
With this data in mind, the Petal It Forward team is not only spreading happiness to lucky Custer residents who receive the flowers, but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger.
“We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” Moore said. “People love to get flowers ‘just because’ so we wanted to create random smiles today and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.”