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Hospice fundraiser sends butterflies to Park Ridge
Jackie Mathews of Rainbow Hospice, left, is joined by artist Georgine Donovan who painted a butterfly for the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. | Contributed photo.
Updated: August 13, 2012 6:14AM
Butterflies recently landed across Park Ridge in the form of painted sculptures benefitting a local hospice agency.
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care’s “Promises Take Flight” 2012 public art project and fundraiser launched recently in three communities: Park Ridge, Des Plaines and Mount Prospect.
As of June 28 there were 30 butterfly sculptures scattered around Park Ridge with another 14 in Mount Prospect and 12 at Lake Opeka in Des Plaines, according to Jackie Mathews of Rainbow Hospice. Maps of the locations are expected to be available soon, Mathews indicated.
Each butterfly is 3-feet tall and made of fiberglass. All are decorated with colorful patterns by their sponsors or selected artists.
Available for a $1,000 sponsorship, the butterflies are part of Rainbow Hospice’s third public-art fundraiser to support its Good Mourning Program. The program provides bereavement support for children and their families following the loss of a loved one.
Since the colorful butterflies began appearing in Park Ridge on June 23, the public has begun to take notice, Mathews said.
“People really have significant interest in butterflies, I am learning,” she shared.
Rainbow Hospice’s first public-art display and fundraiser in 2008 featured 57 fiberglass rainbows around Park Ridge. Two years later, a Noah’s Ark-themed project included 40 animal sculptures, all in pairs, plus 31 table-top fish displayed inside Park Ridge businesses.
“We’re already at a greater number (of sculptures) than we’ve ever had before, but I think it’s going to grow substantially,” Mathews predicted.
Butterflies are still available and can be purchased by contacting Rainbow Hospice at (847) 292-2355.
On July 6, the communities of Park Ridge and Mount Prospect teamed up for “The Butterfly Express” in order to commemorate the project. On that day, people are encouraged to ride the Metra train between both communities and view the sculptures in each town. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce also hosted “Cruisin’ Park Ridge” featuring antique and unique vehicles on display in Uptown. The Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra performed at Hodges Park, at Courtland and Vine avenues.
In Mount Prospect the “Friday on the Green” concert was held at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson Street, and featured a performance by Suburban Cowboys.
