The Cumberland Hospice House Auxiliary will release 400 butterflies in a celebration of life ceremony Saturday.
Auxiliary Co-Chair Sherry Koch said the program serves as a fundraiser for Hospice of Cumberland County and the six-bed residential facility Cumberland House. Koch said butterflies symbolize life, and releasing them is a special way to remember lost loved ones.
“Everyone who has gone through [grief] realizes that they have memories, and they share those memories with their family and friends,” Koch said. “And that helps them get through so they can continue on with their lives.”
Koch said the butterflies are farm-raised and prepared to be released into the wild. Koch said the butterflies used are native to Cumberland County.
Koch said everyone being honored will have their name read before the butterflies are released. There will be special music and a butterfly blessing as well. Koch said when the butterflies are released, they often stop for nectar from nearby flowers.
“Sometimes, they’ll end up on your clothing, and go home with you in your car,” Koch said. “And when you open your car door, you take butterflies out. Children love it, and families are welcome.”
Koch said she hopes families feel refreshed as a result of the butterfly release. Koch said the fundraising aspect is another important piece, and people made a $25 donation for each person they wanted to remember. Donations were collected from March through May.
Koch said remembering special people after they pass is important for families, and memorials like the butterfly release are often cherished memories.
“Everyone brings their camera or their phone, and they take pictures,” Koch said. “And they have other taking pictures of them holding the little origami envelope before it’s opened up to symbolize the care they’ve been given.”
Koch said this is the 15th butterfly release, and participants do not need to use hospice to attend. The butterflies will be released Saturday morning at 10 from the Cumberland County Courthouse gazebo and lawn.
