The symbol of a butterfly is often associated with transformation and growth, but for Noah’s Children, a hospice program for children with life-threatening illnesses, it represents hope. Hundreds of handcrafted paper and ceramic butterflies will soon adorn the walls of local Bon Secours hospitals, thanks to the efforts of local students. ### Why this Art Project Matters
* Funds raised from the project have been used to support services such as music therapy, new iPads for patients, and parties thrown for children undergoing surgery
* The program provides care to approximately 300 Richmond-area families, each year
* This year, a record number of 21 local schools participated in the project, including four Henrico schools – Varina High, John Rolfe Middle, Short Pump Middle, and Lakeside Elementary
| Year | Schools Participating | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 | $0 |
| 2010 | 2 | $100 |
| 2015 | 5 | $500 |
| 2020 | 10 | $1,000 |
| 2023 | 21 | $3,685 |
The project began in 1997 when Henrico students started making handmade dolls and selling them to raise funds for Noah’s Children. In 2010, the project shifted to making handmade items and then, in 2015, the project expanded to include art and craft projects. This year, the project theme was chosen to be the butterfly, with the hope that it would embody hope for the patients it supports. ### A Record-Breaking Response
Amy Powroznik, the art teacher at Lakeside Elementary, who has spent the past 12 years helping with the annual art project, described the response as a record-breaking one. The four Henrico schools participating in the project – Varina High, John Rolfe Middle, Short Pump Middle, and Lakeside Elementary – created hundreds of individual butterflies made from paper, wire, fabric, and ceramic.
- Students from Lakeside Elementary, including Amy Powroznik, designed the glass window and individual butterflies.
- The butterfly window was auctioned off for $2,900, and individual butterflies sold for a total of $785.
- Local schools came together to participate, including third graders, who were encouraged to participate in the project by Powroznik.
Powroznik, who is also a longtime Bon Secours volunteer, stated that the project is very moving to be a part of, as she has been able to see the families and children the project funds go towards. “
It’s very moving to be there. It just gives you chills
.”
She continued, “Because you get to see stories of families and people talk about how the program and the palliative care has helped their family and their child. And then you see your piece auctioned off and you’re watching people. I have literally cried.”
### The Impact of the Project
The funds raised from the project will go towards supporting services such as music therapy, new iPads for patients, and parties thrown for children undergoing surgery. This is a testament to the power of art and creativity in bringing hope and joy to those in need. As Lakeside fifth-grader Autumn Philps said, “I know it’s for a good cause and I know that it’s for sick kids in the hospital. So I just really hope that they get what they need.”
The project serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the impact that we can have when we come together to support a common cause. It is a symbol of hope and beauty, and a testament to the power of art and creativity to bring people together and make a difference in the world. “I would just tell them that it’s for a good cause and if they really are too scared to let it out, just do it,” said Autumn Philps, encouraging other students to participate in the project. The story of Noah’s Children and the beautiful butterflies that adorn the walls of local hospitals is a testament to the power of hope and creativity. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big difference, and that together, we can create something truly beautiful and meaningful.
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