Executive Director Tracy Ford brought the idea to Crossroads House after seeing a live butterfly release at a local caregiver facility.
“They need to be released ideally at 65 degrees and above and if it’s raining the rain could weigh their wings down, so we were a little stressed this morning,” says Ashley Mlyniec, a volunteer at Crossroads House and coordinator of the butterfly release.
Mlyniec, who has been a volunteer for about a year, says over 100 butterflies were purchased at $20 each during the release today. The funds raised will support Crossroads House.
“It’s really heartwarming to see how the community gets together raising funds for the house providing the best comfort care for the residents. There are so many volunteers.”
Carol Grasso releases a butterfly in the name of her mother on Saturday morning
“Butterflies come to life again. You know, you come here, you pass away, and this is one’s going to be called Mary. That’s my mom, and I hope that she flies, and I hope she comes back to the bench where I leave her today. I hope she comes back and visits me, and I can sit on this bench and talk to her and reminisce about old times and family and grandkids and great grandkids. It’s just a community come together for Crossroads,” says Grasso, a volunteer at Crossroads House.
Melanie Brzezniak, a caregiver, and her daughter Liliana release butterflies for a woman that Melanie took care of and a friend who passed away in March.
From left- front-Carol Grasso/Crossroads volunteer, Liliana Brzezniak. Second row-from left-Donna McJury/Crossroads Volunteer/Board member, Linda Palaszynski/Crossroads volunteer. Back row-from left-Melanie Brzezniak/Caregiver, and Jonathan Brzezniak
Video of the first Memorial Butterfly Release at Crossroads House at 11 Liberty Street in Batavia, NY on Saturday–with Crossroads House Executive Director Tracy Ford
Katy Hobbs and her daughters Abby and Maddy watch as one of their three butterflies get ready to take flight.
“I just love the mission of this location,” says Hobbs.
“I witnessed first-hand my mom’s parents passed away and what that does to a family and I just think the mission here and what they allow families to be able to do. It just really lets you have the final moments with people that mean the most to you.”