PICKING WITH PURPOSE
When you step out of your car and onto the Thrive Flower Farm, the sweet aroma of florals kisses your nose while you’re greeted by the friendly farm dog, Goose.
Right outside of Stillwater on Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s power lines, sits a garden filled with 7,000 tulips ready for your family to hand pick this spring.
Thrive Flower Farm provides custom bouquets, U-Pick events where you can pick flowers by hand and custom workshops. What sets Thrive Flower Farm apart from other florists is how they transform lives with every purchase made.
CHANGE FOR CONGO
What started in 2016 with pint-size change jars has grown into a flourishing cut flower farm, where all proceeds benefit an orphanage in Goma, Congo.
“The whole reason we started Thrive Flower Farm, was to raise money for our nonprofit, Change for Congo,” said Sara Alsup, owner of Thrive Flower Farm and creator of Change for Congo.
Every purchase from Thrive Flower Farm benefits Change for Congo. Proceeds help with school fees, food, living expenses and are also helping add a secondstory addition to the orphanage.
The family, now of five, began raising money by collecting change in pint-size jars at local churches.
“With Sadiki’s help, we found a place to rent and began helping 10 children. Now we help take care of 29 children,” Alsup said. “We wanted the children to feel
n SEE “PICKING WITH PURPOSE” PAGE 2
Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of
Owner ,
and farm dogGoose.
Children at the orphanage in Goma, Congo.
SaraAlsup
Central Board of Trustees:
Carol Dvorak, President (District 3)
James Wells, Vice President (District 6)
Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)
Randy Wedel (District 1)
Sid Sperry (District 4)
Ken Starks (District 5)
Randy Ethridge (District 7)
Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer
Empowered Editors:
Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing
Larry Mattox - Director of Communications
Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist
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3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076
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CONTINUED FROM FRONT
like they were taken care of by family, and not by the bare minimum.”
Alsup’s desire to help didn’t stop there. After brainstorming, she turned back to her roots.
“I wanted to do more than just ask people for money,” Alsup said. “I wanted those giving to receive something as well.”
FARM BEGINNINGS
Alsup was raised on a cotton farm near Elk City in western Oklahoma where her father sat on the board of their local cooperative.
“Growing has been a natural thing for me,” said Alsup. “Creating a sustainable income for our nonprofit was always the goal. Selling goods, especially beautiful flowers that keep me connected to agriculture, seemed like a fitting model.”
Alsup said the farm keeps her connected to her roots and to her father, who passed away before she began Thrive Flower Farm.
“I feel close to my heritage,” Alsup said. “It keeps my hands in the dirt.”
Alsup’s 16-year-old daughter, Marli, will continue the family farming tradition by adding vegetables to sell through Thrive this spring.
A THRIVING FLOWER FARM
Alsup’s favorite Thrive Flower Farm memory was the first time they sold out of tulips in 2022.
“That’s when I felt like people started knowing what we were doing,” Alsup said. “It’s amazing that people know why we’re doing this and want to help.”
The Thrive Flower Farm sells their $12 bouquets for pick up at the farm and at local coffee shops. The garden filled with tulips will be ready to pick by hand in mid-March.
“The flower farm has gotten the word out and has really helped the orphanage grow,” Alsup said. “Those kids are dependent on us and the Thrive Flower Farm.”
Flowers can be purchased at Aspen Coffee in Fountain Square in Stillwater, 7OpenA at the Wesley Foundation on Oklahoma State University’s campus, and Nancy’s on Main in Perkins.
Find more information on Thrive Flower Farm’s custom bouquets, U-Pick events and custom workshops on their Thrive Flower Farm Facebook and Instagram accounts.
For more information follow visit thriveflowerfarmok.com.
Central
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MARCH 2024
Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider
employer.
and
What are
green boxes for? Their job is to step down high-voltage electricity to a lower voltage needed for the underground wires supplying power to the lights and appliances in homes. As you beautify your yard this spring and summer, follow these safety tips:
⚠ Do not plant shrubs and trees close to green box transformers or other utility equipment.
⚠ Contact Central at 405372-2884 if the transformer becomes unlocked or if it or any other type of utility equipment appears to be damaged.
⚠
⚠
Kilowatts & Brats Save the date Stillwater June 11 Chandler June 13 youth power Energy youth power Energy youth power ApplicationsEnergy due March 31 open to eighth grade students Scan QR to learn more 3
padmount
the in-
to
Green utility boxes, known as pad-mounted or
transformers, are part of
frastructure that helps provide power
your home.
the
Call 811 before digging. If you dig near a transformer, you could inadvertently hit a live underground cable.
Keep a clear path to the transformer.
workers need clear access
maintain equipment
keep your power on. BEAUTIFY YOUR YARD, NOT UTILITY EQUIPMENT UPCOMING AT Day 2024 Save the date May 4 10 a.m.-noon Learn more by scanning the QR code Annual Meeting save the date October 1
Our
to it to
and
SPEND A DAY IN GUTHRIE
Spend a day in Historic Guthrie, Oklahoma’s first capital. Located in Central’s service area, Guthrie is a perfect location for a day getaway or fun-filled weekend.
Renaissance Weekend
MISSY’S DONUTS, BAKERY & DELI
2323 E. Noble Ave.
Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-5 p.m.
Start your morning with delicious donuts and a warm cup of coffee from Missy’s. Enjoy fresh bread, baked goods or cinnamon rolls.
GUTHRIE RENAISSANCE & FANTASY FESTIVAL
Cottonwood Flats, 450 N. 5th St.
Fri.-Sun., March 22-24
After your donut from Missy’s, head to the Renaissance Fair where you
HOBOKEN COFFEE & ROASTERS
can enjoy a turkey leg while you participate in the merriment with jesters and knights. Watch jousting, juggling, dancing, magic shows, axe throwing and more!
RAILHEAD BBQ
13978 S. Douglas Blvd.
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Once you’ve had your fill at the Renaissance Fair, finish your day at this local favorite, famous for its smoked meats and made-to-order whole-fried chicken.
ANGRY BUNNY DONUTS
120 S. Division St.
Tues.-Sun. 5 a.m.-Noon
Begin your rodeo weekend with artisan donuts that kiddos will love.
BORDER BASH RODEO
Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Dr. Fri.-Sun., March 22-24
Watch the competition heat up with bull riding, barrel racing, goat tying and more at this high school and junior high rodeo.
Antique Weekend
224 S. Division St. • Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Start your day off with a cup of freshly roasted coffee as you listen to jazz records in this cozy coffee shop.
LOCAL FAVORITE ANTIQUE STORES
Enjoy eight unique antique stores on Oklahoma Ave. between 1st St. and Division St. including Above the Rest, Country Corner, Heritage Collection, Magnolia Antique Mall, Recollections Antique Mall and more!
Rodeo Weekend
GAGE’S STEAKHOUSE
409 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Tues.-Sat. 5-9 p.m.
Come hungry from the rodeo and enjoy a nice steak, seafood or pasta dinner at this restaurant located inside an old train depot.
BOXCAR BAKERY & ICE CREAM
109 S. Division St.
Sat. 1-9 p.m. and Sun. 1-6 p.m.
Finish your night with delicious ice cream or baked sweets.
RICK’S FINE CHOCOLATES & COFFEE
109A W. Oklahoma Ave. • Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Take a break from antiquing and stop for handmade chocolates, caramels or truffles. Enjoy another cup of roasted coffee while you’re there.
STABLES CAFE
223 N. Division St. • Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Finish your antique trek with a delicious steak, barbecue or a gourmet burger with a fun, western atmosphere.
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