OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This Sunday, May 5, The Dandelion Project will host its annual Butterfly Release in observance of International Bereaved Mother’s Day. Held the week before Mother’s Day, this global day of remembrance was created in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley to honor mothers who have lost a child.

The Ocala-based nonprofit will hold the event at 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens. Now in its third year at the venue, the Butterfly Release offers grieving mothers a peaceful space to reflect and find support among others who share similar experiences.

Photo of a table in front of a window with pictures of children who have died on it.
Photo of a vase with multi colored roses on a table. Paper butterflies are on the wall behind it with the names of children who have died written on them.
Courtesy: Lisa Bolton/The Dandelion Project

“For many ‘Angel Moms,’ Mother’s Day can be especially challenging,” says Dandelion Project founder Lisa Bolton. “It brings both cherished memories and painful reminders. Our goal is to offer these mothers a safe place for remembrance and healing.”

The event is part of the organization’s broader mission to support individuals coping with grief. In addition to its ongoing programs, The Dandelion Project recently received a boost from the Punishers LEMC Brick City Chapter, which hosted the first Ride for H.O.P.E., a fundraiser supporting grief resources for children.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Dandelion Project provides free services, including grief education and support for both children and adults. Community donations and fundraising efforts allow the organization to continue offering these programs at no cost to those in need.

More details about the Butterfly Release and available services can be found at dandelionproject.net or on The Dandelion Project’s Facebook page.

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