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Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Presents the 2024 Good Neighbor of the Year to Chris Ondrak As a native of Flemington, NJ a graduate of Hunterdon Central, and born to a family of a farming background, it was not long before Chris’ natural love for flowers emerged. By the age of 8, Chris out shadowed a neighbor when he planted some extra zinnias that she had given to him. This is just one example of how Chris can take a gift from the giver and return it to make a more bountiful and beautiful existence. Chris has been making Hunterdon County more beautiful since the age of eight with his gifts! Chris earned his Associates Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Mercer County Community College in 1980. Over the years, he has supplemented his degree with formal training by master designers from around the world. He, himself, has also taught at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, and Floral Design for the Hunterdon County Adult Education (1982 – 2002). He has won many local and regional design competitions and has designed for many Garden Club and State Floral shows. In 1988, Chris was called upon to join the floral design team for the George H.W. Bush Inaugural Ball. In 1989, Chris ventured out and became the founder of the Gilded Lily Florist in Flemington. That same year, he became a member of the American Institute of Floral. To be an AIFD member means that the floral designer has risen above the highest standard set in the industry. Other achievements to Chris Ondrak's credit include President, New Jersey State Florist Association (1999). Featured Designer in the Boston (1998) and New York (2004). AIFD Symposiums AIFD Northeast Region Board of Directors and Chairperson (2001 – 2006). AIFD Northeast Region President (2007). Chris also Headed up the Regional Exhibit for AIFD at the Philadelphia Flower Show (2006) What makes Chris so outstanding and deserving of this award is not merely his dedication and achievements in the industry, it is the way in which he serves his community. Chris is generous beyond measure in a myriad of ways. He has supported a multitude of charities including Operation Jersey Cares, The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, long time Kiwanis Member, Chairperson of the Annual Meeting and Dinner for the HCCC, he has served on the board of Hunterdon Prevention Resources and these wonderful works are less about work than it is about love and care for his community.