Grateful Vase: A bouquet of love with Lindsey Curry

BY AMANNDA G. MAPHIES, Freelance Writer

President and Treasurer, Lindsey Curry, launched an outside of the box, or rather, vase, brainchild in June of 2024 in both Springfield, Missouri, registered as the home state and Bentonville, Arkansas with a foreign nonprofit affiliation. This organization, coupled with the donation of gently used vases, along with live floral arrangements from weddings, funerals, celebratory events, etc., has grown by leaps and bounds in just under two years. Grateful Vase has a growing presence in Springfield, Missouri, and Curry’s team hopes to expand the business to similar-sized Midwest cities in the future.

Lindsey Curry was very close to her grandparents. When they moved to a long-term healthcare facility, she and her family visited often. Curry was touched by how the seniors’ faces lit up upon receiving a surprise by way of flowers, visitors, or something out of the ordinary business of each daily routine. She internalized how the simple act of bringing a fresh vase of flowers brought such joy to, not only her beloved grandparents, but the fellow residents in which they shared a home.

Curry’s sister, Stacey Etzkorn, co-owns Tesori Bridal in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The close-knit sisters shared many conversations, shaking their heads at the extravagantly expensive bouquets that were simply relegated to the trash after a grand-scale event. “We hated the amount of waste we saw with these gorgeous arrangements made with so much love and brainstormed a way to alleviate the waste and utilize the still-beautiful, fresh flowers to bring happiness to others.” shares Curry. Curry’s sister, along with a handful of supportive friends and family, encouraged her to take this idea and run with it.

On a random evening in December 2023, at 9 p.m., with no thought to Grateful Vase, Curry experienced one of the greatest ‘Aha’ moments of her life. She delivered repurposed flowers from one of her sister’s photo shoots to her friends’ grandmother in an Arkansas senior care facility. Curry was blown away by the excitement shown by the residents and nurses alike, when they awoke to fresh flowers the next morning. “This needs to be a thing,” Curry said to herself, as her sister, friends, family and a whole network of encouraging souls, whole-heartedly agreed. This spontaneous floral delivery led to the launch of Grateful Vase in June of 2024.

After a bit of research, Curry uncovered a nonprofit business model she felt could work and started setting the wheels in motion for what has grown from a simple idea of repurposing florals to a sustainable organization known as Grateful Vase. “People really love this idea. We are grateful for the help in getting the word out, which takes a lot of resources.” says Curry. 

The premise of Grateful Vase is that Curry’s team of volunteers reaches out to event centers and wedding venues that tend to house large bouquets for events. They explain the repurpose vision of flowers that are still lovely, but have served their purpose, to area senior health and rehabilitation centers, in efforts to bring joy and a vivid splash of color to the home away from home where many elderly patients spend their final years. Mrs. Cory Fearing’s seventh-grade science students have donated vases to the cause since its inception. “I am incredibly proud of how Greenwood Middle School families have come together to donate hundreds of vases in support of Grateful Vase’s mission to spread kindness and love to elderly members of our community. We love knowing that the donated vases will soon hold beautiful bouquets to brighten the day of individuals who may not receive many visitors.” shares Mrs. Fearing.

While Curry now resides in Missouri, she was born in Texas, grew up in Arkansas, attending high school in Greers Ferry, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2012. Her desire to share Grateful Vase, feeling there is ripe opportunity in the neighboring states of Missouri and Arkansas, has come full circle. Grateful Vase is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Individuals and businesses take advantage of the tax deduction nonprofit status when donating vases and flowers. Not only that, but they enjoy the cherry atop the sundae feeling of giving to a heartwarming cause, while simultaneously extending the life of natural beauty to folks that truly appreciate it. 

When discussing Curry’s brainchild, she recounted her time at her grandparents’ long-term care facility. “Many of the residents were gardeners in their earlier lives. The flowers we provide bring a touch of ‘I’m home’ to their final home.” These care facilities do their best to make the temporary home warm and comfortable, but the flowers add such a pop of color; the residents, nurses and visitors are grateful for the surprise deliveries they receive from Grateful Vase. “I have seen a huge impact on the residents, staff, nurses and family members. Having something new and beautiful to appreciate really does wonders.” shares Curry.

Grateful Vase is completely volunteer run. “Our outreach is currently based on events only. We get a request for a wedding or gala pick-up. We add this to a large, shared calendar. The volunteers then check ‘Plan Hero’ to sign up for pick-ups and deliveries as their schedule allows. Grateful Vase currently utilizes around a dozen volunteers. Curry goes on several of the delivery runs. “We are always looking for volunteers to expand our range of floral deliveries to more long-term care facilities.” says Curry.

From June to October, Grateful Vase receives weekly pickups for fresh flowers. “A huge portion of our deliveries is possible due to the Missouri Flower Exchange, a collective of local flower farmers willing to donate their excess bloom production so that we can make deliveries weekly in peak season. Thanks to their generous partnership, our deliveries in Missouri have increased significantly.” says Curry. As a result, the nonprofit is up to 63 care facilities in two states. “We would love to further increase our coverage and go to every facility. It is so fulfilling.”

It is not uncommon for floral shops to order an overabundance of vases or wish to replace out-of-style inventory. These local florists are more than happy to repurpose the vases to Grateful Vase, where they find a welcoming new home in either the reception area or a resident’s personal suite, adding a pop of bright and cheerful fresh flowers. 

“It warms my heart to think that people read about our mission and feel our work is valuable. What touches me the most is that complete strangers reach out to tell a story about their family having a loved one in a healthcare facility. For me, that has helped the healing process in losing my own grandparents.” shares Curry.

“One of our stops in Arkansas is almost like a race for the residents to congregate and view the fresh flowers. The new delivery is always a conversation starter for them, which in turn promotes conversations about what they did that day or how lovely the new arrangement is. It facilitates new connections and lasting friendships. Knowing we are extending the life of the florists’ creative bouquets is fulfilling.” shares Curry.

“I know how important it is to receive flowers; it goes beyond what is in the vase.” says Tera Wilburn, Grateful Vase board member and volunteer. Curry expounded, “It is more than just flowers; it is a connection. We are reaching that one resident that didn’t receive a call that day. Or the family members that cannot visit as often as they would like. I recall how stressful it was when my family could not visit my grandparents every day, as so many family members are hindered by travel distance, work and other family obligations.”

Lindsey Curry turned 35 in September 2025. Being a nature lover and understanding the mental and physical benefits from the outdoors, she felt a higher calling for her life and desired a contribution to something bigger. “I am more fulfilled leading this cause that I know brings such joy to others. It truly inspires others with a reason to live and give with purpose.” Curry and her team seek to bring the outdoor beauty of nature to an indoor environment where long-term residents can enjoy the extended life of such breathtaking natural art.

Curry spoke to the challenges of financially transforming this dream to reality. “It has certainly come with challenges, but they are rewarding challenges.” She explained how Grateful Vase has changed her life, enhanced her mental outlook and positively affected her overall perspective. “You realize, when seeing residents in the facilities where we deliver, how blessed we are, which has personally promoted the desire to take care of my own physical and mental health.”

Curry’s six-year-old son occasionally accompanies her on floral deliveries. When they deliver the flowers, she enjoys taking a moment to visit the residents. “We don’t just deliver flowers; we build a connection with these folks. One that is equally fulfilling to them as it is to us. The opportunities for that connection are endless.” shares Curry.

“At Grateful Vase, we offer floral workshops for the seniors residing in care facilities. If an individual or company wants to sponsor an activity, we will show up with buckets of flowers and work with the residents on how to arrange them. This is a fun, interactive experience, and provides a chance for the residents living under the same roof to get to know each other and explore a new hobby.” says Curry.

Curry’s genuine appreciation for everyone that has supported the mission of Grateful Vase is palpable. “It means the world to me. I have poured my heart into this work, and it feels worthy of the time spent. So many beautiful connections have been formed and the stories shared in and out of the facilities make what we do worthwhile.”

Curry invites those interested to volunteer for Grateful Vase. “We always have room for volunteers to pick-up arrangements, handle late-night pick-ups, or work to rearrange former bouquets into a new and vibrant work of art we can share with residents, staff and families. If volunteering is not an option, simply donating old vases and/or making a welcome financial contribution are what keeps this organization running. “This is a great opportunity for someone who needs a creative outlet!” shares Curry, who has enjoyed learning all aspects of the business she, along with her tribe of entrepreneurial do-gooders, brainstormed and cultivated into the blooming business it is today. 

“We are seeking partnerships with individuals and organizations whose missions align with ours and who believe in the work we do. While Grateful Vase is self-sustaining, expanding our impact requires time, resources and collaboration. We have big long-term goals for Grateful Vase, and together, we can build something lasting and meaningful.” shares Curry.

For more information on Grateful Vase, to donate vases, contribute financially, sign up to volunteer, or inquire about inviting Curry’s team to a local healthcare facility, visit the website: https://www.gratefulvase.com/.