Date: June 10, 2009
by: Kurt Schultheis | City Editor

Ross Toussaint and D.M. Williams

After Ross Toussaint, owner of Exotica Florist, heard that D.M. Williams, general manager at Casa del Mar, had to be taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for stitches May 12, he brought Williams 180 roses — one for every stitch. And, he also brought along a note: “Here is a rose for every stitch, all 180 of them! Share them with others, as you are so good at doing, and put them everywhere you’ll be this weekend. Thank you from everyone for your continuing generosity. You are an asset to the people you know.”

Williams dropped off a vase of roses at the Longboat Key Fire Department, and Fire Rescue Chief Richard Dickerson wrote his own note to Williams:

“The firefighters were very appreciative of this thoughtful gesture. It was so kind of you to think of them in this way, and we want you to know your gift was appreciated. It is people such as you who make each member of the department proud to serve the community.”