Sunday, Jun. 28, 2009

Flowers for life: Fairview Heights shop raises money for cystic fibrosis

Debbie Dulaney's 21-year-old daughter, Bridget, died of cystic fibrosis on June 19, 2008.

To raise money to fight the genetic disease, Debbie, of Caseyville, teamed with her mother, Georgia Gildehaus, and sister, Sandy Gildehaus, both of Fairview Heights, to sell silk flower arrangements.

Their shop, Flowers & Gifts For Life, is tucked in a Fairview Heights strip mall at 6104 N. Illinois St.

"I have another daughter who has it. She's 20," said Debbie, standing amid a sea of lilies, roses and zinnias. "After we lost my daughter last summer and my other daughter got married, Mom started playing with flowers. I thought this would be a good thing to see if we could raise money for CF."

Debbie, who also works construction, noticed vacant space in a building she was painting and asked if she could put it to good use.

Georgia and Sandy came up with 80 arrangements to fill shelves and displays. She'll also create custom designs for weddings.

"I'm on Social Security," said Georgia. "I can't give $500 to (cystic fibrosis research). This was my way of helping."

Arrangements cost between $15 and $175. A striped container filled with red, white and blue roses and baby's breath is $85. Debbie also sells collectible dolls, picture frames, basketballs and stuffed animals donated from her children's closets.

Just inside the shop's front door is a portrait of Bridget.

"She was the most loving kid," said her mother.

Bridget worked part time as a receptionist at Kassly Funeral Home and full time at Funtown USA roller rink in Pontoon Beach. Debbie and husband Vernon run the rink.

"She loved the rink and loved the kids, the more kids, the better. ... She loved everybody and worried about everybody."

Bridget attended Elizabeth Seton Catholic Grade School in Caseyville, was a 2005 graduate of O'Fallon Township High School and attended Southwestern Illinois College. Her favorites were art classes.

She had two brothers, Rob, 30, and C.J., 25, a sister, Stephanie Stroh, 20, and a nephew, Jacob, 1 1/2. Stephanie also has cystic fibrosis.

"She's doing very good," said Debbie. "I just never expected to be where we are today. It's very hard. Things happen that you don't expect."

The shop is open 2-7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. Fridays and 2-7 p.m. Saturdays.

Look for a gray sign with black lettering -- and a butterfly.

"Bridget loved butterflies," said her mom.

For information, call 741-5060.