Fenton's Jon Gerych Helped Design Dinner for President Obama

Big enough to design a dinner for President Barack Obama, small enough to cater to Fenton’s needs.

Jon Gerych, owner of designed the flowers for Obama’s $1 million dinner at Denise Ilitch’s, daughter of Mike and Marian Ilitch, Bingham Farms home on April 18.

During the last two weeks, Fenton Patch as the area’s best. Gerych's won the poll with 41 votes. had 17 votes and had 14.

“Both are a great honor,” Gerych said.

Gerych said helping out with the Obama dinner came about when Ilitch, a longtime customer, gave him a call.

“You get a reputation in the industry,” Gerych said. “She called us and asked us to take care of the flowers.”

The Fenton resident has helped designed events for both political parties over the years and quite a few presidential gatherings, but said the Obama dinner was one of his favorites.

“This truly ranked right at the top,” Gerych said. “It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had.”

Gerych was able to meet Obama and have his picture taken with him. He also had to work close with the Secret Service, first getting clearance and then having them monitor the environment.

He admitted as thrilling as it was, it wasn’t easy.

“It’s always exciting, but it is also a tremendous amount of work,” Gerych said. “We got a lot of positive feedback.”

Gerych’s Distinctive Flowers and Gifts also has received a lot of positive feedback from area customers when asked what was Fenton’s best flower shop.

J. Elle Cartwright commented, “Hands down, Gerych's! I've sent and received arrangements from Gerych's, and I've seen arrangements from other area florists. Gerych's is always a cut above. The employees are always friendly and professional; selection is way ahead of the pack; and customer service is out of this world. It's a feast for my eyes each time I enter Gerych's, and it's what keeps me going back.”