Veterans Bloom
at Zekiah Ridge Farm
A little about how Veterans Bloom began ...
Veterans Bloom emerged from the profound loss of my husband and father in the same week in 2019. Within seven days, I transitioned into widowhood and inherited a farm, an unexpected and life-altering occurrence. Submerging myself in our flower business, I devoted time to planting, harvesting, maintaining, and selling bouquets. Over time, I came to realize that the flower business not only brought forth beauty but also granted me mental clarity and physical strength.
My father, a devoted Marine, cherished the act of sharing his farm with others. In honor of his legacy, our nonprofit, Veterans Bloom, extends an invitation to veterans, their caregivers, or anyone eager to support a veteran to join us on the farm and partake in the enriching experience of flower farming.
Since 2019, we have orchestrated a farm-to-table dining experience at Bliss in the Barn, our event venue housed in a historic tobacco barn on our farm. This genuine farm-to-table affair showcases locally sourced food from Southern Maryland, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting Veterans Bloom.
Veterans Bloom’s 2024 goal is to provide a service dog through Leashes of Valor for a service member in need. Leashes of Valor, a national nonprofit founded by veterans, provides highly-trained service dogs to post-9/11 veterans dealing with PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma. The organization, committed to excellence in the world of service dogs, sources dogs from shelters and ensures a lifetime of care for both veterans and their service dogs. Founded by retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag, Leashes of Valor operates from Axel’s Place, a facility in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where veterans undergo real-life training with their service dogs, supported by contributions that sponsor rooms or kennels.
You can help us choose the name of the puppy by voting on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/veteransbloom
To achieve our objectives, Veterans Bloom aims to generate support through flower sales, fundraising events, and donations. These initiatives play a crucial role in advancing our mission, and your involvement can make a meaningful impact.
Some of the events Veterans Bloom will be a part of in 2024 include:
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The Taste of Southern Maryland on April 21, 2024.
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Grace Lutheran Wine and Cheese Social on April 27, 2024.
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La Plata Farmers Market from April to November 2024.