Flowers and Philanthropy Bloom at Smile Farms’ “Sips & Stems”

Jericho, New York, May 22, 2026. Smile Farms hosted its Sips & Stems fundraiser on May 21 at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, bringing together women from across the community for an elegant evening of floral design, generosity, and inspiration.

The event supported the organization’s mission to create meaningful employment and vocational training opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

The evening featured a hands-on floral design experience led by Julie Mulligan, a longtime floral designer, lifestyle expert, and former senior vice president of product development and photography for 1-800-Flowers.com.

Throughout her more than 40-year career, Mulligan helped create many of the company’s signature floral products and played an instrumental role in shaping the brand’s floral and lifestyle vision. Mulligan also reflected on her brother Kevin’s disability and shared personal stories about her family’s experience navigating services and support.

Organized by Erika Picciano, Smile Farms Community Engagement Coordinator, the gathering featured remarks from Sonia James, a Smile Farmer who shared her personal experience and the impact the organization has had on her life, as well as Nancy Leghart, Director of Development for Smile Farms.

“I recently began reading The Well-Lived Life by Dr. Gladys McGarey and was struck by her idea of finding your ‘juice,’ that spark of purpose and joy that makes you feel truly alive,” said Leghart. “It immediately made me think of Smile Farms. You can see that same pride in our Smile Farmers when they step into the garden to plant, nurture, and grow something of their own. For many, it becomes so much more than gardening. It becomes confidence, independence, community, and purpose.”

“Sips & Stems was such a beautiful reflection of what Smile Farms is all about,” said Steve McDermott, Managing Director of Smile Farms. “It brought people together through creativity, compassion, and a shared belief in creating opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.”

Smile Farms extends its sincere thanks to Megan and Tom Walsh Jr. of Locust Valley for sponsoring the event, as well as all the donors and supporters who helped bring the celebration to life.

Smile Farms, the proud philanthropic partner of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., operates approximately 14 campus locations across Long Island and New York City in partnership with schools, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. These partnerships help hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities gain valuable real-world experience, confidence, and purpose.

For more information about Smile Farms or to support its mission, visit www.smilefarms.org.

About Smile Farms

Smile Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Long Island and New York City.

For more information, visit www.smilefarms.org.