Blossoms for Benefactors: Florists Start Weekly 'Good Deed Bouquet' Program

Jo Ann Maloney wants to ensure that good deeds in don't go unnoticed.

So she's kickstarted a new initiative at her . Each week, Maloney is assembling a beautiful bouquet to give to a deserving local benefactor who's nominated by his or her fellow residents.  

The first winner? , director of the . in town, Dekker volunteers her time to various local causes including maintaining three Tinley Park gardens and harvesting the veggies for a . Dekker was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

"Julie is constantly doing things in the community that no one knows about," Maloney said. "It's nice to give her a little recognition for that."

Jo Ann is half of the cheerful husband-wife duo—the other half is Dennis Maloney—who owns . Prior to September 2010, the shop was located in the 7700 block of 159th Street. 

"We enjoy doing good things in the community and always have," Maloney said, noting that she's been in the floral business for 26 years. "I thought this was a great way for someone in town to receive a little acknowledgment." 

But keeping the weekly "Good Deed Bouquet" program rolling is up to Tinley's residents. The Maloneys will be relying on weekly nominations to select their deserving winners. 

"Ideally, we'd like those nominations in by Wednesdays at noon," Maloney said. "That way we can acknowledge that nominee by the end of the week."

To nominate a recipient for a "Good Deed Bouquet," call Jo Ann or Dennis at 708-429-ROSE. You can also comment on Jo Ann's weekly , where she will be publishing bouquet winners. 

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