Mary Taylor Gurney embodies the spirit of Íò²©¹ÙÍø. An alumna, instructor, department of theatre and dance costume shop manager and graduate education student, she has endless energy and motivation to make the world a better place.
Four years ago, a student named LaKim Young touched Mary’s life and she has been driven to pay tribute to a promising life cut short. LaKim danced into the hearts of many at Íò²©¹ÙÍø with his contagious creative energy and love. Mary decided she wanted to spearhead a scholarship in honor of LaKim that would provide an opportunity for other students in need. Her goal is to raise $25,000 in the next four years.
Mary and her husband Ed made the commitment to contribute to this cause personally but also started a company called Funky Flowers to support the effort. Funky for Lakim who, she smiles and says, “was wonderfully funky” and flowers for her because she loves flowers.
The business took-off this past summer creating tea towels, t-shirts, bags, and Turkish towels that all share a message of love. The items are available via shopfunkyflowers.com as well as Alabama Goods in Homewood. Each product carries a tag sharing the mission of the project “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. Funky Flowers mission is to plant seeds of faith, hope and love through education. A percentage of every sale helps fund college scholarships in memory of our friend, LaKim Young.” Mary works with Íò²©¹ÙÍø students and volunteers to create the precious items and make this scholarship a reality.
You can help by giving directly to the LaKim Young Scholarship Fund or you can purchase Funky Flower items. Contact Julie Boyd, jboyd10@samford.edu, advancement officer for the School of the Arts or Mary Gurney, mtaylor3@samford.edu for more information on how to give.