Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Butterfly Release Celebration set to soar over three counties
Newton For over a decade, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has hosted its annual Butterfly Release Celebration. On the weekend of June 4 and 5, the Butterfly Release Celebrations will welcome guests to three services in Sussex and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Pike County, Pennsylvania. “This beautiful event honors the life of family and friends who are still with us and celebrates the memory of those loved ones we have lost,” explained Cecelia Clayton, executive director of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Since it’s inception in 2001, the Butterfly Release Celebration has raised over $336,000Participation begins with the purchase of a butterfly pin for $15.00 in the name of a loved one which is then sent with an acknowledgement card to the designated recipient. “The butterfly pin was designed specifically for this Butterfly Release Celebration,” explained Pam Milone, event committee member and office manager for Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes, one of the event sponsors. “We have introduced a new color pin for the past 11 years. Not only have these pins proven to be thoughtful reminders of those we care for, but keepsakes from the event.” Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice also introduced an additional event keepsake for the event. Monarch Sponsors donating $100 receive a stained glass sun catcher, this year featuring a Swallowtail butterfly. Prior to the start of every Butterfly Release Celebration, dozens of Monarch butterflies are placed in delicate tulle cages. Spectators gather to get a closer look at the butterflies and take a few photos. Music fills the air throughout the celebration and guest speakers take their turn reciting each commemorative name. The hour-long program concludes with the procession of the butterfly cages to a safe clearing and the butterflies are released. On the morning of Saturday, June 4 the Butterfly Release Celebration will begin in Washington, N.J. on the grounds of the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden. The garden designer, volunteers and musical guest Sylvia Hollister will collaborate with the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice team to kick off the weekend of reflective celebration. In the afternoon, family and friends in Milford, Pa., will gather at the gazebo in Memorial Park. Local teen, Guy Henderson will solo on the violin, and there will be a performance from the McDonald Family Singers. On Sunday, June 5, afternoon’s event at Sussex County Community College will continue with hundreds of guests gathering at the Lakeland Pavilion for the final release. The Children’s Chorus of Sussex County will share their talents. To learn more or to participate in the event, call the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at 800-882-1117 or visit its Web site, www.KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.
Butterfly Release Celebrations
Warren County
Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m.
Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden
on the grounds of Memorial Elementary School
300 West Stewart Street, Washington, N.J.
Pike County
Saturday, June 4 at 4 p.m.
Memorial Park
Corner of 5th & Catharine Street
Milford, PA
Sussex County
Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m.
Sussex County Community College One College Hill, Newton