Phelps Health Foundation Raises over $23,000 for Patient Needs at Annual Butterfly Release

Thanks to the community’s generosity, the Phelps Health Foundation raised over $23,000 at its Butterfly Release Celebration on May 17, 2025. Hosted at Huffman’s Flowers of the Field in St. James, this annual event honors loved ones and celebrates life. 

"The butterfly celebration is a meaningful way for our family to honor the memory of my husband, Bryce, who passed away from kidney cancer at 40,” shared attendee Shellana Hickman. “This event brings us comfort, knowing we're not alone in our grief. Our daughter, Maddie, believes the butterflies are a message from her dad, offering us peace and connection.”

Paige Heitman, director of philanthropy at the Foundation, and Cindy Beger, Foundation board president, delivered opening remarks.

Phelps Health Chaplain Daniel Phillips offered a heartfelt prayer, and fellow Chaplain Nicholas Lewis followed with a poem. Christopher Spencer, MD, Foundation board member, ended the festivities by reading the list of honorees, followed by the release of 275 butterflies.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Foundation’s Mission Fund, which supports Phelps Health initiatives and patient needs.

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who sponsored this event for our community:

Monarch Sponsors

• BBR Masonry

• Gingerbread House, Inc.

• Janece and Dale Martin

• McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

• Missouri Southern Seed

• Phelps County Bank

• R. A. Brookshire Construction

• Spencer Manor Winery

• Town & Country Bank

• Alexander Construction

• Emergency Medical Care

• Drs. Joe and Cathy Bond

• Dr. Stilianos Efstratiadis

Painted Lady Sponsors

• Dragonfly Health

• Edward Jones

• Infuze Credit Union

• John and Kelly Money

• Keri Brookshire-Heavin

• Paige and Davin Heitman

• Rolla Lions Club

• SignWorks & Graphics

• St. James Dental Center

• USA Radiology Management Solutions, LLC

In-Kind Sponsors

• Kaitlin Mace Photography & Film 

• Bob Phelan (Photography)

• Paige Fairbairn Music

• Price Chopper

"Watching the butterflies take flight was an incredibly moving moment," Heitman said. "Each year, it's inspiring to see how this event continues to grow. It touches more lives, brings our community together and offers a beautiful opportunity to remember and honor our loved ones with peace and hope."

The Foundation sincerely appreciates everyone who contributed to the success of the annual butterfly release. Through the generous support of sponsors, attendees and the broader community, the event continues to provide a meaningful space for remembrance, healing and connection. As this cherished tradition grows each year, it reinforces the Foundation’s mission to honor lives and support the vital needs of patients and families throughout the region.