Phelps Health Foundation Raises More Than $30,000 at Butterfly Release Celebration
ROLLA, Mo. – The Phelps Health Foundation raised more than $30,000 during its Butterfly Release Celebration on May 16, 2026. Held at Huffman Garden Center in St. James, the annual event honors loved ones and celebrates life.
Despite periods of rain, attendees stayed gathered in support and remembrance, reflecting the compassion and resilience of the community.
The program opened with remarks from Paige Heitman, director of philanthropy, and Cindy Beger, president of the Foundation Board. Phelps Health Chaplain Daniel Phillips delivered the invocation, followed by a poem from fellow Chaplain Nicholas Lewis.
Foundation Board Member Chris Spencer, MD, MS, DABR, then read the list of honorees. The event concluded with attendee Tammy Jones winning the quilt raffle and the release of more than 300 butterflies.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Foundation’s Mission Fund, which supports Phelps Health initiatives and patient needs.
Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who sponsored this community event:
- Butterfly Premier Sponsors:
- Huffman Garden Center
- Intercounty Charitable and Educational Foundation
- The Miller Family
- Wildflower Sponsors:
- McCarthy Building Companies
- Oak Pointe of Rolla Senior Living
- Monarch Sponsors:
- Janece and Dale Martin
- Phelps County Bank
- BBR Masonry
- R. A. Brookshire Construction
- Paige and Davin Heitman
- Spencer Manor Winery
- Town & Country Bank
- St. James Stays
- Drs. Joe and Cathy Bond
- Dr. Stilianos Efstratiadis
- Dr. Bassam Hadi
- Lee Linebarger
- Painted Lady Sponsors:
- Compass Health
- Edward Jones—Jessica Barron
- Laura and Kenny Light
- John and Kelly Money
- Jessica Beucler
- Mace Supermarket
- Infuze Credit Union
- Linde Merrow
- Keri Brookshire-Heavin
- Betty Pendley
- In-Kind Sponsors:
- Kaitlin Mace Photography
- Price Chopper
- Elizabeth Phillips
- Beth Dare
- Cody Fulkerson
- Metz Music
- MSHP Troop I
- Phelps Health Home Health and Hospice
- Vendors
- Home Health and Hospice
- Alhesha Whitmire
- Creative Vibes- Memory Bears
- Horses Healing Hearts
- Ozark Soul Midwifery
“This event has truly become a reflection of our community,” said Heitman. “Seeing people stay through the storm, support one another and share meaningful moments together was incredibly powerful. The celebration not only creates a space for remembrance and healing, but also highlights the important work happening across Phelps Health.”
The Foundation sincerely thanks its sponsors, attendees and community members for supporting the 2026 Butterfly Release Celebration. Proceeds from the event will continue to support patient needs and Phelps Health initiatives throughout the region.
About Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs around 2,000 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.
