HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT Specially made boxes held the butterflies to be released on behalf of the Nathan Adelson Hospice. HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT Alas, the warm morning left the monarchs virtually stultified. Many, like the one pictured above, lay slack in the grass as the boxes were opened for their release. Advertisement

The fifth annual Butterfly Release was held at Honeysuckle Park April 27.

Hosted by the Nathan Adelson Hospice, this annual event gives the community residents an opportunity to accept and remember the loved ones they have lost. It is believed that the butterflies will carry the prayers or messages from those on earth to those that have been lost.

The Golden Monarchs (responsible for fundraising for the hospice), organizes and sells butterflies, at $25 each, to supporters.

Tonya Brum, event coordinator for Nathan Adelson, said, "We ordered 180 butterflies hoping that we would sell them all. It was very rewarding when we did." Sales and donations came to $5,000.

For those who bought butterflies but could not be present to release them, the children who were present were given the opportunity to do it for the mourner after passing on the message to be taken to the lost one.

The spiritual aspect of the event was provided by Associate Pastor Paul Jordan, of Faith Fellowship, and the Rev. Julie Platson, St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church. Platson said, "It gives everyone an opportunity to find hope and remember, as well as come together as a community."

Harpists Susan Zink and Marilyn Gamble played soothing, melodic songs meant to set a mood of serenity and consolation, yet providing a sense of hope for the days to come. Singers Melissa and Edwin Monge and Benjamin Soto sang songs of devotion as well as moving on and letting go. Songs included "I Give You My Heart," and "Your Beloved."

Part of the event consisted of a labyrinth that laid a path of meditation, contemplation, enlightenment, and understanding for everyone on any topic that is a source of concern or anxiety; a way of accepting loss through clear thinking and finding peace.

Sponsors for the event included the Focus Group, which donated $500, Valley Electric, which provided refreshments, Scott Anderson, $200, Sharon Cahlan, $200, as well as other private donations.

There were 13 volunteers and 10 staff members on hand to help manage the activities of the event. Volunteers Wilma Palmer, Vernon Curtis, Marianne Hybarger, Michelle Kelly, Helene Campton, Brian Nelson, Lanny Brum, LaRae Moore, Pat Adams, Robin Guttridge, Tawny Capabianco, and Loyd Platson joined forces with staff members Lorraine Baskeyfield, Robin Schoenfeld, Kelly Moore, Shelly Heppler and Roger Lim to successfully control the chaos.

Their rustling and bustling about was unnoticed by the estimated 150 residents and visitors. However, without them behind the scenes, the event wouldn't have been so overwhelmingly successful. Success is always a true sign of a job well done.

If you are interested in participating in next year's event, or in joining the activities of the Golden Monarchs, contact Tonya Brum at 775-209-3896.