
Published on May 30, 2025
Read Time: 2 Minutes
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:
Butterfly Premier Sponsors
Intercounty Charitable and Educational Foundation
The Miller Family
Wildflower Sponsor
Huffman’s Garden Center
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
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.
Join Us Next Year
The 2026 Butterfly Release Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 16. Plan now to attend and support next year's event. Learn more about the Foundation here.