Wings of Hope offers education, support and optimism
Cancer Support Community Delaware hosted the 11th annual Wings of Hope fundraising event June 19 on a near-perfect morning in Lewes’ Stango Park.
This event is highlighted by the release of beautiful monarch butterflies in recognition of family, friends, and neighbors throughout Sussex County whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Wings of Hope is one of the organization’s premier events for its 25th anniversary.
“This is such an emotional, yet uplifting event that we are so proud to offer to our community over the past 11 years,” said Michelle Mallon, Cancer Support Community Delaware event manager. “Everyone I spoke to after the event felt so touched by the ceremony and all of the offerings this fundraiser provides including education, support, togetherness and hope. With the help of our amazing community partners, we were able to celebrate the lives of those touched by cancer and raise over $24,000 for CSCDE’s Sussex County programs.”
About 250 people attended the event, and more than 200 butterflies were sold.
The monarchs were procured from Clearwater Butterfly Company in Florida. It only ships butterflies to states with identical native species, as the insects will naturally be habituated to the local environment. Contrary to some misconceptions, natural migrating monarch populations are not decreasing due to butterfly releases. In fact, the butterfly release industry actively promotes conservation efforts to protect these creatures. The population problem began decades ago when milkweed plants, the monarch’s only host and food source, were uprooted for farmland and other uses. Planting common milkweed in local backyards will help attract these butterflies and save the monarch population.
Vendors at the event included: Lewes Beekeeping Club, Lewes Fire Department, Beebe Healthcare Oncology Services, Moving for Melanoma, Livestrong, Aveanna Home & Hospice Care, Totem Farms, artist James McDevitt, author Lyn McDonald, Taste of the South Bistro, Kindness Rocks by Lisa Eline, and Worry Dolls by Amelia. Cape Artists’ Gallery supported the Art Walk display with works by more than 20 local artists and students.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
