Most anyone who’s watched a college basketball game in the last 36 years is well aware Dick Vitale harbors just a little fondness for the Duke Blue Devils.
But did you know the announcer with the booming voice and big smile also loves flowers?
“He’s a great communicator. And he knows he doesn’t always need to use words. When his vocals are tired, he sends flowers,” said Art Conforti, PFCI, of Beneva Flowers, who’s helped nurture Vitale’s affection for the floral industry during their 20-something year friendship.
The two met “sometime in the 1990s” while working out in a Sarasota, Fla., gym. Conforti was wearing a Yankees hat, which prompted Vitale, another former Jersey boy, to start talking about the team. Not the least bit star struck, Conforti responded, “What do you know about baseball, Basketball Guy?”
Their personalities instantly clicked and it didn’t take long for the two to discover they shared a lot of interests including sports and music.
And amid their weekly tennis challenges and cross country travels to professional sporting events and concerts, there have been lots of opportunities to be each other’s brand ambassadors.
Beneva Flowers is a major sponsor (and floral designer) of the Dick Vitale Gala, a black tie event that draws hundreds of professional athletes and coaches, and raises money for the V Foundation, named for the late Jim Valvano, which funds pediatric cancer research. Throughout the year, Conforti and Vitale co-host fundraisers for the V Foundation.
And, in return for Conforti’s support, Vitale plugs his businesses (Beneva Flowers, Coast-to-Coast Flowers, FloralApp) both on social media and on air. (Consequently, Magic Johnson now orders his flowers via the FloralApp.) Vitale also signs basketballs and other merchandise, which Conforti packages in "diaper dandy" sets, for $80 to $100, donating 5 percent back to the V Foundation. “During basketball season, we sell about 10 a week,” Conforti said, adding that the baskets fill the guy-to-guy gift void common in flower shops.
While not everyone can naturally strike up a conversation with a celebrity while dressed in gym clothes, Conforti is adamant that every florist can develop a professional relationship with their own local personalities and should.
“Every celeb has a foundation,” he said. “Offer to give something back with every order. This way, they know, when they order with you, they are also helping their charity.”
Even better? Customers love supporting businesses that support good causes. “They feel good knowing their transactions are helping people in need," Conforti said.
But did you know the announcer with the booming voice and big smile also loves flowers?
“He’s a great communicator. And he knows he doesn’t always need to use words. When his vocals are tired, he sends flowers,” said Art Conforti, PFCI, of Beneva Flowers, who’s helped nurture Vitale’s affection for the floral industry during their 20-something year friendship.
The two met “sometime in the 1990s” while working out in a Sarasota, Fla., gym. Conforti was wearing a Yankees hat, which prompted Vitale, another former Jersey boy, to start talking about the team. Not the least bit star struck, Conforti responded, “What do you know about baseball, Basketball Guy?”
Their personalities instantly clicked and it didn’t take long for the two to discover they shared a lot of interests including sports and music.
And amid their weekly tennis challenges and cross country travels to professional sporting events and concerts, there have been lots of opportunities to be each other’s brand ambassadors.
Beneva Flowers is a major sponsor (and floral designer) of the Dick Vitale Gala, a black tie event that draws hundreds of professional athletes and coaches, and raises money for the V Foundation, named for the late Jim Valvano, which funds pediatric cancer research. Throughout the year, Conforti and Vitale co-host fundraisers for the V Foundation.
And, in return for Conforti’s support, Vitale plugs his businesses (Beneva Flowers, Coast-to-Coast Flowers, FloralApp) both on social media and on air. (Consequently, Magic Johnson now orders his flowers via the FloralApp.) Vitale also signs basketballs and other merchandise, which Conforti packages in "diaper dandy" sets, for $80 to $100, donating 5 percent back to the V Foundation. “During basketball season, we sell about 10 a week,” Conforti said, adding that the baskets fill the guy-to-guy gift void common in flower shops.
While not everyone can naturally strike up a conversation with a celebrity while dressed in gym clothes, Conforti is adamant that every florist can develop a professional relationship with their own local personalities and should.
“Every celeb has a foundation,” he said. “Offer to give something back with every order. This way, they know, when they order with you, they are also helping their charity.”
Even better? Customers love supporting businesses that support good causes. “They feel good knowing their transactions are helping people in need," Conforti said.