Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The 2013 American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days were a resounding success! Thanks to the volunteers who pre-sold bouquets, those who made deliveries and the many who purchased daffodils on the sale days, over $10,000 dollars were raised. Cash donations enabled bouquets to be delivered to Windemere, each town’s senior center and to Island nursing homes on Tuesday — brightening a gloomy-weather day and bringing the promise of spring to come. This annual fundraising effort gives assistance and hope to the many who are battling cancer, and also funds research which will someday (very soon, we hope!) win the fight against it.

There are many faithful volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure the success of this campaign. We are indebted to the people who sell and deliver the bouquets in each town (Pat and Kerry Alley, David Cron, Debbie and Eric Magnuson, Joyce Stiles Tucker, Penny Uhlendorf, Abbie Taylor, Marcie Nichols, Marilyn and Dennis Wortman, Janice VanRiper and Jim Tuck). In addition, we thank the volunteers in each bank, store, school, office and town hall who collect the orders within their buildings, the Steamship Authority for transporting the flowers, the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Cronigs, Tony’s Market and the Edgartown Stop & Shop for allowing bouquets to be sold on their premises. Thanks also to the Island press who gave great coverage to the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. These individuals and organizations are all vital to the effort and deserve much of the credit for its success. We are very proud to be part of such a caring community.

Our heartfelt gratitude to you all!

Dorothy Bangs, Vineyard Haven

Judy Baynes, Edgartown