This week the second season of the reality competition show Full Bloombegan streaming on HBO Max, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Mi Centro location in Boyle Heights is highlighted in Episode 6.
Vying for a $100,00 first prize, florists from all over world create floral arrangements with intricate designs as they are put to the test in various individual and team challenges.
HBO Max doesn’t want to throw away all of the gorgeous flowers at the end of each episode. So, the show has been donating them to organizations and non-profits making a difference not only every day, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full Bloom production crews came to Mi Centro on April 2 with a stunning floral Pride flag step-and-repeat made by the contestants—a pleasant surprise for clients as they arrived to pick up bags of food and other essentials from the Pride Pantry held each Friday.
In addition, each person received beautiful crowns made out of the donated flowers. A woman, upon receiving the flowers, was so moved that she began to cry.
“The flowers make me feel very special because, honestly, I’ve never had anything like this,” she shared. “It makes me feel like a queen. I think flowers represent freedom, a new beginning, and love. This is my first time having flowers like these given to me.”
Mi Centro was formed in partnership with Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) more than five years ago.
“This area was hit so hard by the pandemic so having these flowers in Boyle Heights gives a lot of light and love to our families in need,” said LEA Executive Director Eddie Martinez. “Our community members deserve these floral crowns because it brings a smile to them as they get through this pandemic. It means so much in their hearts.“
