A celebration of life, each summer in Ruidoso

How the morning goes

Each summer, families gather on the meadow to release live butterflies in memory of the people they have loved and lost. It is a gentle, hopeful morning, and it is the Foundation's primary fundraiser: every butterfly reserved helps a Lincoln County family with the costs of end-of-life care.

Butterflies are released by advance reservation only. Bring your receipt, printed or on your phone, to pick up your butterflies on the day.

What to expect

• Arrive earlyGates open at White Mountain Meadows Pavilion. Please arrive early.
• Before the releaseShow your receipt to collect your butterflies. They arrive in individual paper envelopes and wake up as they warm.
• The releaseA brief ceremony, then everyone opens their envelopes together.

Good to know

• Please print or bring an electronic copy of your receipt to the event to pick up your live butterflies.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Each butterfly is woken and eager to be released, so if you are not present at release time your butterfly will be given to someone on hand to allow its flight.
• Because of unpredictable weather, the exact time of the coordinated release may change on the day. No refunds.