Board Member Spotlight: Anne-Marie Fitz

Meet Hope Blooms board member, Anne-Marie Fitz!

Anne-Marie brings an invaluable perspective to the board through her work with the senior population, which is the core of who we serve at Hope Blooms. We first formed a relationship with Anne-Marie shortly after our founding when we started serving Touchmark residents. She has been a wonderful advocate for our work since the beginning, and we’re overjoyed to see how our mission grows with Anne-Marie’s leadership.

Learn more about Anne-Marie and why she’s passionate about Hope Blooms.

How are you involved with Hope Blooms?
Through work, we have done a manager team building event where we created bouquets. Also, flower deliveries to residents and bouquet building by residents. Now. I am a part of the Hope Blooms board.

How did you first hear about Hope Blooms?
Seven years ago when Kelly reached out to me about delivering flowers to our residents at Touchmark! I was Life Enrichment Director at the time and was able to run around our community delivering bouquets to my residents. We have been fortunate to have a long-running relationship with Hope Blooms!

Why do you choose to volunteer with Hope Blooms?
The message of spreading joy – sometimes missions are so heavy or seem like you will never win the battle, but Hope Blooms provides immediate satisfaction for the person receiving the flowers as well as for those who take part in the process. You get to see that smile or hear the story from the person and it is simply fulfilling.

Why is giving back in your community important to you?
It is about being connected and our responsibility to each other. We all need to take some active role in making our communities healthier, happier, safer, more connected, etc. This is one way to do just that.

In what ways do you see Hope Blooms bringing value to our community?
Being in the line of work that I am, senior living, I know firsthand that some of my residents and seniors in the greater community are lonely. This interaction with Hope Blooms can make a significant impact on their mental and emotional health. It is with the simple message that you matter – everyone needs to hear that.

What’s your favorite way to spread joy and kindness?
I enjoy being hands on, giving of my time and attention. At work, the people (residents, families, team members) are my priority. They need something, my other work can wait. I partner with Eagles Elementary school where 1st and 2nd graders practice reading. I have had numerous interns over the years. I feel like being there and being active in the program is the best way.

Name one of the most joyful moments in your life.
Meeting Bono, randomly in an elevator – I am a huge U2 fan. My first CD was the Best Of 1980-1990 and I got to see them in concert in Winnipeg. It was an absolute dream come true to meet him!

What is your favorite flower and why?
Fern leaf Peony – My grandma had a beautiful plant by her front door. Part of that plant came to my mom’s home and is planted by her door and when I bought my house, my mom brought me part of her plant to have by my front door. It is a simple tradition that just brings a flood of memories each year it blooms.

Share a little about yourself & your family.
I grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and am the youngest of four plus the only girl. I moved to Fargo in 2003 to attend NDSU and graduated with a degree in Family Science & Human Development with a minor in Gerontology. I worked at the Plains Art Museum as an event coordinator for several years before joining the team at Touchmark in 2011.

I live in Moorhead with my boyfriend, Elijah, and labradoodle, Bea. Part of each week we also have Elijah’s daughters with us, so at times the house is rather full with three more people and 2 more dogs! With crazy schedules though we make family dinners a priority and enjoy our time together. Plus, my parents still live in Fergus, so we get the bonus of them joining us from time to time!

In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, yardwork, and traveling to see family and friends.