MIDLAND — More than 400 painted lady butterflies were released across three locations in Central Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of the annual Butterflies in the Park event hosted by MyMichigan Home Care.
Per an Aug. 7 news release, the symbolic release, held in Clare and Midland parks and at Woodland Hospice House in Mount Pleasant, honored and remembered loved ones lost. The ceremonies included brief commemorative presentations and musical performances.
This year’s event raised more than $10,000 to support hospice patients in need of home care services, medications and medical supplies. The event is organized by MyMichigan Home Care under the auspices of the MyMichigan Health Foundation.
“The butterflies represent a variety of emotions, and our annual Butterflies in the Park event allows family and friends to gather and acknowledge these emotions while honoring those who they’ve lost,” said Dawn Duffield, manager of MyMichigan Hospice.
Duffield said the butterflies symbolize healing and renewal during times of grief.
MyMichigan Home Care is seeking additional volunteers for its hospice program. The next training sessions will take place Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at Woodland Hospice House. Applications are available online at www.michigan.org/volunteer, or by calling (800) 862-5002.
Donations to support hospice care can be made at www.mymichigan.org/donate.
