Articles and Photographs
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2006 Click HERE to read about 2006 events.
Shrewsbury, MA The butterfly release took place at my home in Shrewsbury, MA on July 23, 2005. Those attending the gathering were parents that have lost a child. We hold a candle lighting event on the 2nd Sunday in December each year to honor and remember those children gone too soon. (this coincides with The Compassionate Friends World Wide Candle Lighting) We are parents that are moving forward together after the loss of a child. We reach out to others and offer our support. Recently 3 other families in the community have joined our group (for which we have no name) and met other parents on the 23rd as we came together to plan this years 3rd Annual Candle Lighting. Those in attendance that released a butterfly in memory of their child were very touched to have experienced the beauty of it all. Our butterflies emerged from their individual envelopes to the music of Faith Hill singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Thank you again - your donation touched many bereaved families. Charlene Paradise. Click on a photo to see enlargement. All photos © Charlene Paradise
Sunshine Acres, in
Edith Smith of Shady Oak Nursery donated 1 dozen Painted Ladies.
Firewheel Mom’s Club & Kids and Cars The Firewheel Mom’s Club and the national organization of Kids and Cars put together the 1sth Annual Adrianna Clemens fundraiser golf Tournament and Kids Festival. This event was held on Friday, April 8, 2005, in
Velma Begley of Whispering Wings donated 2 dozen Painted Ladies.
On April 15, 2005,
This is a list of breeders who donated butterflies. . Melanie McCarthy from The Monarchy - 2 dozen Painted Ladies; Felicia Tappans from Tappan Nurseries - 1 dozen Monarchs; Edith Smith from Shady Oak Nursery - 1 dozen Painted Ladies; Tammy Spivey from Butterflies Abound - 2 dozen Painted Ladies; Mona Miller - 4 Dozen Painted Ladies; Michael and Judy from Michael’s Monarch-E - 2 dozen Monarchs; and Jodi Hopper from Wish Upon A Butterfly - 2 dozen Painted Ladies. Christy’s reply: The butterfly release in honor of Jacob was fantastic! It had turned out to be a beautiful day, seventy five degrees and sunny. A blessing after a week of April showers. On Thursday, as I begin to receive the butterfly donations from the Breeders, I began to realize what a beautiful gift they had sent; the butterflies themselves, but also the opportunity for the classmates, teachers, and most importantly, Jacob's family, a chance to heal. Over 60 people met in the Benton Elementary Cafeteria in anticipation of the release. Many of them family and friends, Jacob's classmates, and teachers. All knowing what we had planned to do, but a little unsure as how it would affect us all, we were ready. We had placed the butterflies in their individual envelopes in a beautiful, old basket that Jacob's Mother had found at her house years ago. She said it was a basket that they had used for many occasions, including their campouts. It was perfect! I had printed up the Butterfly Poem from Tappan Nurseries, on a large piece of poster board. We started by having all the kids, teachers, and everyone present, sign it. Something for Jacob's Famly to take home with them, and remind them of all who participated. Then, Mrs. Beasley, Jacob's teacher, went over the "Old Indian Legend" with the kids. She talked about how each child could whisper to their butterfly any wishes or messages that they would like to send to Jacob in Heaven. In the past, many of Jacob's classmates found it very difficult to even speak about their lost friend and classmate, a few would break down in tears and sobs, however, on this occasion, the kids seemed more excited than depressed. We headed outside. With few words, we began to pass out the butterflies to everyone. As the butterflies seemed ready to go, "scratching" in their envelopes, I think so were many of us ready to "release" our emotions, messages, and love to this little six year old boy that we had lost way to soon. One by one, the kids began to release the butterflies. Laughter and amazement filled the air. An emotion, I'm sure felt different by every indiviual there, but still hard to describe or put into words. Really, an amazing sight! Myself at that moment, looked over at my own daughter, a classmate of Jacob, a little girl who just a week earlier was creating a "memorial" in our backyard with a hoola-hoop, bubbles, and dandelions to honor her friend Jacob, was smiling and laughing. I knew then that the butterflies had been the best kind of healing she could have, or would have. One really amazing thing happened at the release. Two monarchs stayed. And when I mean they "stayed", they sat on the fingers of two children for well over 20 minutes. One was on a classmates finger, the other was on Jeremiah, Jacob's brother's finger. These were butterflies that had been out to warm up for well over two hours, and were ready to fly. No one said anything out loud, but I think we we were all thinking the same thing: Jacob's spirit was there. There with his family, his friends, his teachers, he was there! I have to first thank the IBBA for its Program, Wings of Hope. What a wonderful program that the IBBA has. Second of all, and most importantly, to the Butterfly Breeders who donated many, many butterflies to the release. I know that this is stock that you could have sold, but donated. Again, I hope that you realize that your "gift" or donation of butterflies meant so much more than just the butterflies. You provided the opportunity for many hearts to mend. Again, many thanks to you all, Christy Siguenza May 5
Fran LeMasters donated 2 dozen Painted Ladies Report: On Friday we released the donated butterflies with students who had sponsored them. It went very well and the weather was great! I have attached a press release* and some pictures taken by another teacher here at our school. Thanks for your help and please pass along our gratitude to the donating breeder for helping make this a successful and meaningful fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Sincerely,
“Flight for a Cure” County Line Elementary School in Barrow County sponsored a special butterfly release in honor and memory of loved ones affected by cancer. Students and their families purchased live butterflies for $5.00 each that were then released in mass as they remembered those whose lives had been touched by cancer in a commemorative ceremony. All proceeds went to American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. County Line Elementary raised a total of $5,000 for Relay for Life this year.
May 5
The
Jodi Hopper donated 3 dozen Painted Ladies.
May 21 Camp S’More Holds Summer Bereavement Camp and Releases Butterflies Camp S’More, in Gettysburg, Pa, had a summer bereavement camp for youths from 8 to 12. They were trying to help the children work thru their loss of family or a friend. They did a release at the conclusion of the camp. They felt that the act of releasing the butterflies would symbolize hope ad would leave the youth feeling hopeful. Felica Tappans of Tappan Nursery, Inc. donated 1 dozen Monarchs.
May 22 Butterflies Released in Memory of Those Lost to Lou Gerhigs Disease The Motor Neuron Disease Clinic, at the University of Connecticut Health Center, in Farmington, CT held a release at a memorial service, part of a bereavement event for the families who have lost someone to Lou Gerhigs disease. Velma Begley of Whispering Wings, donated 3 dozon Painted Ladies.
May 22 Butterflies Released to Bring Awareness to Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia Disease Katlyn Webb, a 14 years old, of Clifton, NJ, has a rare disorder called Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia (for more information go to www.asap.org). She wrote a letter to her town council asking if they would provide a day to help spread awareness and also a day that she could try to raise money to put towards a research project for a cure. They gave her a week. She happened upon the IBBA site and loved the idea of butterflies and her mom told her they were a good example of the new beginning they would have if a cure was found. She has had 11 neurosurgeries and is currently wearing a non-invasive halo device which she has been wearing for over a year. She doesn’t know when she will be able to get out of it because the doctors are trying to plan another neurosurgery. Fran LeMasters of All A Flutter donated 3 dozen painted ladies
May 30 Memorial Day Butterfly Release, Arlingtion National Cemetery The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) worked with over 100 youth who had lost loved ones while in military service or terrorist attacks. The good Grief Camp was held in Washington DC over Memorial Day, May 27 - 30. 10 dozen of butterflies were donated. Edith Smith of Shady Oak Nursery donated 2 dozen Monarchs; Fran LeMasters of All A Flutter donated 1 dozen Painted Ladies; Penny Wilson of Monarch Meadows Butterfly Farm donated 1 dozen Painted ladies; Mona Miller 1 dozen Monarchs; Tammy Spivey of Butterflies Abound donated 1 dozen Monarchs; Margaret Hebdon of Susquehanna Butterfly Company donated 1 dozen butterflies; Heather Tokas of Butterflies from Heather donated 1 dozen Monarchs; Linda Marchman of Social Butterflies donated cash to cover some expense of the shipping. Report: The butterflies were WONDERFUL and yes, we released them at both Arlington and with the children (all 107 of them) whose loved one (mostly dads) who have died in the line of military service were honored by the release. The little children - ages 6 months to 7 years old - LOVED them in a small memorial ceremony that we had on Sunday, prior to going to Arlington National Cemetery. Also - the Secret Service didn't have any problems with me bringing in the butterflies to Arlington and asked if I was a "scientist"... so I told them no and they thought it was a great idea when the President spoke! Yes - we released the butterflies when he was in the ampitheater and the folks there (our group and others who were there) loved them. So - yes, it was a roaring success. Press Release: issued 05-28-05 The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has scheduled a ceremony to honor and remember heroes who lost their lives in the service of our country or during terrorist attacks. About 100 youth that have lost loved ones will attend the ceremony with their TAPS Mentors (members of the Old Guard) and will release live butterflies prior to the official Memorial Day ceremony, just before President Bush's speech. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is assisted by the International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) as commercial butterfly farmers from all over the United States have donated butterflies to this healing ceremony for the youth, their loved ones and victims of war and tragedy. The commercial butterfly breeders were extremely happy to send specially packaged butterflies to be released at this ceremony which they felt meaningful to the country at this time. The release of donated butterflies comes from the IBBA's "Wings of Hope" program. TAPS Volunteer Judith Mathewson contacted Mona Miller of IBBA and worked with Jodi Hopper of IBBA's Wings of Hope to facilitate the butterfly release. More information: Mona Miller or Jodi Hopper of IBBA www.butterflybreeders.org, or Judith Mathewson, TAPS, (221) 243-3276, (703) 966-8241
June 2 Kelsey Miller Garden The Kelsey Miller Garden, in Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone, MD, held a release to dedicate the garden to her. Kelsey was 16 when she passed away from an aggressive rare illness. A beautiful native flower garden was created in her honor in the backyard of the resort where she worked and played. Butterflies were her favorite. Edith Smith of Shady Oak Nursery donated an assortment of 50 butterflies. Report: It was an amazing event. Extremely well attended and extremely uplifting. The butterflies were truly a highlight of the event. It was cool out and we were not sure if we could release them but right before the release the sun came out and it warmed up. I figured my little girl was up there kicking the clouds out of the way. We were all so moved by the release. It was incredibly symbolic. I will send pictures and a write up in the next couple days. Some of the photos were not digital so I will scan them. Also, if possible I would love to get the addresses of the donating farmers. I really wanted to send them a personal note of thanks. Once again, I can not explain how strongly I feel about your efforts to help this grieving family and community. You are truly a Godsend. I was so concerned that this would be a sad event but I could feel her presence. It was such a healing event! It brought so much comfort and peace to all of us. Kelsey would have been so honored by this outpouring of love and compassion. The garden is so beautiful, the resort landscaping staff built a beautiful stone bird bath, the Salem Children's Trust School donated a wonderfully, personally decorated bluebird house and all of the high school kid's got to plant flowers. The children's choir sang and my nephew put to music a song that Kelsey had written in 2001 about being an angel. He played the guitar and sang while the kid's were planting. The principal and vice principal spoke, as well as other teachers, resort staff and friends. It is so heartwarming to know that you are not alone in situations like this. Please know that I appreciate your efforts with all my heart. They are suppose to have an article in the local paper about the event. I will try to get you a copy of that, too. Again, please accept my heart-felt thank you for everything that you and the butterfly farmers did to help our family heal from this tragic and horrific loss. Thank you,
June 3 Peterson Rehabilitation Center Releases Butterflies at Memorial A memorial service was held at the Peterson Rehabilitation Center for all who had passed away here in the past year. Tammy Spivey of Butterflies Abound donated two dozen Monarchs.
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Seniors and Butterflies Jon and Cindy Timko - Flutterbies My wife is a social worker at a local nursing home. We also rear Monarchs. This past year my wife has taken some of our stock into the home for the residents to observe and enjoy. She has displayed all the stages and makes sure to include plenty that will change from larvae to chrysalis and chrysalis to emerging adult. It's amazing how many of the residents look forward to coming to the display each day. Some of them will sit and watch patiently for the transformations to take place, or simply watch the adults flutter, light, and feed in the hanging cage for hours (have to admit, I'm still amazed as well even after raising hundreds!). Several ask to handle the larvae and newly emerged butterflies and my wife accommodates them. Our culture is very small at the moment due to the season so we haven't been able to keep the display going. As a result my wife is currently barraged with the question "When are our butterflies coming back?!". It's a joy for both the residents and my wife.
US Veterans & Mission Butterfly
In the fall of 1998, Dr. Robert Snetsinger started butterfly activities and programs with Bob Ruggery, his former student and vector control specialist HVH. This butterfly therapy/outreach program benefits both residents of assisted living facilities and area children, and has gained strong community support.
Date Not Known Happy Hill Farm These pictures were taken by Leslie and I at our Wings of Hope project for Happy Hill Farm. We set up the dome inside with the different life stages of several species, posters, plants, mister, feeders, and microscope. The children came through anywhere from 2-6 at a time. As they took it all in, we told them about the lifestages and answered all their questions. The big hit was the black swallowtail larva that gave them stinky fingers!! Word spread fast and everyone wanted to see that. The most asked question was, "If you touch a butterfly's wings will it be able to fly (or die)?" Leslie wore butterfly antenna and I wore moth antenna to demonstrate the difference between the two.' A wonderful time was had by all!! Peggy Hatcher
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| Carole Kveen's story
My husband, Guy, and I purchased our 90 year old farm house and five acres in February of 1987. The house, grounds and out buildings had suffered the ravages of time and were in need of attention. Upon moving in, we began its renovation. The renovation process is slow, labor some and on going. Never the less, we enjoy our work and love this old place in the country. Because our jobs (I am a teacher and my husband is a millwright) were taking us away from the place and the things we love to do, my dream has always been to turn this small farm into something that would provide me with the opportunity to work out of my home. But how and what? My out look on life changed drastically on November 8, 1998, when my niece met with an unfortunate accident in which she incurred severe head injury which resulted in her death. Jenni was a loving, giving person while she lived. She continues by her death, through the Gift of Life, to keep giving. She has left us wonderful memories and a beautiful legacy-one that will continue through the 6 people who received her organs and have been given a second chance at life. Jennifer's premature death made me realize how short and precious life is. I began to wonder what I really wanted out of life, what I could give back and how I much I really wanted to make my dream a reality. As a result, I left my full time teaching job (I couldn't entirely give up my day job: I still substitute teach) to begin butterfly farming. Thus, Jenni Lynn's Butterfly Inn was born. It is the result of my love of nature and my desire to share knowledge, happiness and beauty. On our five acre farm, now known as Jenni Lynn's Butterfly Inn, butterflies and lots of plants are hand raised with tender loving care. Although I am the primary butterfly farmer, my family is always there to lend a helping hand. Carole Kveen
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| Ronald McDonald House of Dallas |
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"I thought (releasing butterflies) in honor of Aaron was a neat way to celebrate a child's life and show how much this little boy impacted so many people and gave a new beginning to the Ronald McDonald House. (The breeder) really understood the Ronald McDonald House and had the heart of the house in mind. She sent extra butterflies and wrapped them in very nice packaging and labeled the packages with Aaron's name. We didn't ask her to do that, she just did." Erin Chase, Director of Development, Cleveland, OH, Ronald McDonald House, as quoted in the Pgh.Tribune Review.
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Anne and Ralph of Sassyfrass Butterfly Ranch wish to share this text. It was written for their local Relay for Life that they donate butterflies to every year.
As an ancient legend goes; If anyone desires a wish to come true, Since butterflies make no sound, So by making the wish and releasing the butterfly, Although this legend implies that we should keep our wishes silent, To those that have been touched by the disease we are helping to fight today, We wish the caregivers strength and tranquility, We wish the survivors a long and happy life, We wish those currently fighting the battle energy and hope, And finally, we wish the victims peace and love, With this symbolic gesture, we honor those that have left us and encourage those left behind to continue the fight “On the Wings of Hope”. Ralph Charles Ritchi
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