Silver ornament raises funds for hospice

BUTTERFLY ORNAMENT Ornaments are available for $25 in the Saline Memorial Hospital gift shop; $19.50 is tax deductible.

Silver butterfly ornaments are included in a limited edition made available through Saline Memorial Hospital's hospice program.

Saline Memorial Hospital Health Foundation has issued a limited-edition silver butterfly ornament to benefit the hospital's new Hospice House.

"The ornaments honor of the special care offered by the hospice team and physicians of Saline Memorial's hospice program," said Anne Burns, hospice manager.

"These ornaments are a positive way to honor or remember a loved one."

Two-thirds of the donation cost will benefit the construction efforts of the new Hospice House, which will be in Bryant.

"Almost everyone knows of a friend or family member who has needed hospice care," Burns said. "The butterfly will forever be a reminder of how generosity will preserve the tradition of special care for many families to come."

The ornament is a silver butterfly enclosed by a circle, symbolizing the memories of loved ones who have died. It is 2 inches in diameter and comes in a velvet gift pouch.

"Starting this year, the ornaments will be issued annually with a unique design to provide an opportunity to recognize a special family member or friend," said Mary Ellen Kubit, SMH Foundation director.

"The butterfly symbolizes hope and is a touchstone of strength for hospice families and supporters."

The ornaments are $25, and $19.50 of the donation is taxdeductible.

Hospice care is currently provided by SMH in patients' homes, the hospital and nursing homes. The new facility will be provide onsite care of hospice patients, and is expected to open next summer.

The limited-edition butterfly ornament may be purchased in the SMH Gift Shop, online at www.salinememorial.org/hospicehouseornament. htm or by calling 776-6005.