Ashley Manning stepped up to make Valentine's Day special for over 400 widows this year.
Manning talked with Good Morning America sharing that she used to arrange flowers as a hobby and create Valentine's Day bouquets for teachers and friends who were going through tough times. Her hobby turned into a business called Pretty Things by A.E. Manning. Last year, she came up with the idea to send flowers to women on Valentine's Day who lost their partner or spouse. She shared the idea on Instagram and several donations poured in, as well as names of nominated women.
Last year, 121 women and men were surprised with floral arrangements. This year, Manning raised over $22,000 and had 300 volunteers help her arrange more than 13,000 flowers to deliver to over 400 widows. The selected recipients also received a gift bag with wine and gift cards from local businesses.
Manning hopes to turn her Valentine's Day Widow Project into a nonprofit to reach more women. She said, "The joy that giving gives your heart is just incredible."
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