Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will host its 19th annual Butterfly Release Celebration with three events held in Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey and Pike County, Pennsylvania on the weekend of June 8 and 9. “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 Jennifer Smith, Manager of Special Events for Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Since its inception, Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes have been central to the success of the event, leading the way as the Event Sponsor. “We are very proud to support hospice and the annual Butterfly Release Celebration. This event and the hospice exemplify the importance of friends and family,” stated Robert McCracken. Joining Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes event support are Community Sponsors: Ed Nikles Custom Builder, Inc and Pike County Light and Power Company.
Participation begins with the purchase of a butterfly for $20.00 in the name of a loved one. Included in the purchase is a memorial keepsake which will be sent along with a personalized acknowledgement card to the designated recipient. Monarch Sponsors donating $100.00 receive a stunning butterfly sun catcher. A new design in the series is featured annually offering a thoughtful collection opportunity. Participants are encouraged to visit our website to register and purchase a butterfly in advance at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/butterfly. Once registered, a memorial keepsake and acknowledgment card will be mailed to designated recipients and the celebrated name will be printed in the event program. Butterfly celebration pins and name recognition can also be purchased the day of the event before the ceremony begins.
Each celebration integrates live music with the reading of each name being celebrated and concludes with the release of dozens of butterflies. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, currently celebrating its 39th year of providing hospice care to patients and their families, is pleased to welcome the community to the Warren County Butterfly Release Celebration hosted at the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden on the grounds of Memorial Elementary School in Washington, NJ at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. Also, hospice supporters and area residents are welcomed to gather at the gazebo in Memorial Park in Milford for the Pike County Butterfly Release Celebration hosted at at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Sunday’s Butterfly Release Celebration will be hosted at the gazebo on the college green of the Sussex County Community College on Sunday, June 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The celebrations are hosted rain or shine; in the event of inclement weather, the butterflies will be released when conditions are suitable. For additional information about the Butterfly Release Celebration or to celebrate the name of a loved one, please visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/butterfly or call 973-383-0115 or 800-882-1117.