At Beneva Flowers, we’ve always believed in the beauty of growth – whether it’s a delicate bloom reaching toward the sun, or a person rediscovering purpose after hardship. This year, that belief has been recognized in a deeply meaningful way. Our very own David Shuel, owner of Beneva, has been named one of Sarasota Magazine’s 2025 Unity Award recipients. 

Sarasota Magazine’s Unity Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals who bring people together and uplift the local area with compassion and courage, seeking “to honor those members of our community committed to bridging divides across racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, and physical and mental ability groups.” The awards are about more than community service; they highlight individuals who forge connections across differences, build bridges in places where walls once stood, and light the way for others. We are humbled and proud to see David’s heart and hard work recognized in this way. It is an honor to work for and alongside the type of person who not only lives and breathes Sarasota, but supports and uplifts at the same time. 

David’s path to this honor is rooted in more than floral design and artistry; it’s built on empathy, lived experience, and a passion for helping people rebuild their lives. When he hired a member of the Beneva team years ago through Project 180, a local nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society with dignity, David didn’t know that this would become a defining moment in both of their lives. What began as one act of kindness blossomed into a lasting commitment to supporting second chances.

David has since joined the board of Project 180 and continues to use his voice and platform to advocate for individuals who are ready to grow beyond their pasts. His personal journey through recovery has deepened his understanding of how powerful acceptance and opportunity can be. Through mentorship, employment, and heartfelt encouragement, David cultivates an atmosphere at Beneva where growth and transformation are not just encouraged but celebrated. 

As a local Sarasota flower shop, we are inspired every day by the resilience of our neighbors, the kindness of our community, and the vibrant spirit that lives in each person we meet. We hope David’s story reminds others that a single opportunity – a simple “yes” – can change someone’s life forever.

To learn more about nominating a community member for the Unity Awards, visit Sarasota Magazine here. 

At Beneva, we’re not just in the business of flowers. We’re in the business of hope, healing, and heartfelt connections – of sharing your emotions. And we’re honored to grow alongside a community that believes in second chances, just like we do.