Butterfly picnic set for Thursday

COEUR d'ALENE - Coeur d'Alene Homes will host its annual "Butterfly Picnic," scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday.

Tickets are $10 and include a picnic dinner with live music coupled with a butterfly release. The event is a fundraiser for Coeur d'Alene Homes Assisted Living and Memory Care.

More than 400 butterflies will be released in Serenity Garden. Individual butterflies can be purchased for $5.

"We chose butterflies because of their symbolism," said Ann Johnson, director of development at the nonprofit. "Transitions happen throughout our lives and we help older adults and families through some major transitions. This event is about celebrating life and it's amazing to watch."

Coeur d'Alene Homes has held the release for three years.

"The butterflies bring such surprise and unexpected joy," Johnson said. "No matter how old you are, everyone has a smile on their face when they see the butterflies."

Coeur d'Alene Homes serves North Idaho by providing a faith- based home for older adults. Its sister facility, Heritage Place, offers affordable HUD-subsidized apartments for independent seniors.

Both facilities are under the umbrella of 23 sponsoring churches in the area.

Info: 664-8119