Quinlan Hospice annual butterfly celebration set for June 10

Newton - Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice will host its sixth annual Butterfly Release Celebration at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the pavilion on the grounds of Sussex County Community College. The event will be held rain or shine. “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 the hospice. The celebration will incorporate music, participation from community leaders, the reading of each name being celebrated, and will conclude with the release of dozens of Monarch butterflies. Participation begins with the purchase of a butterfly for $15, in the name of a special loved one. A commemorative butterfly pin will be 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. “We have introduced a new color pin for the past five years. Not only have these pins proven to be a thoughtful reminder of those we care for, but a keepsake from the event.” McCracken has sponsored the event since its inception in 2001. “We are very proud to support hospice and the sixth annual Butterfly Release Celebration,” said Robert McCracken, owner/manger of the funeral homes. “Both emphasize the importance of family and friends.” Additional sponsorship support this year was provided by Lakeland Bank, Ferguson Funeral Homes, Gallagher’s Home Medical Equipment Service, DeVoe Funeral Home and Bristol Glen. Monies raised from the Butterfly Release Celebration will be used to fund programs of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice that serve terminally ill patients and their families throughout Sussex, Warren and Pike Counties. Sussex County Community College is located at One College Hill Rd. in Newton. For more information or to participate in the Butterfly Release Celebration, call 973-383-0115 or log on to KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org