Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon Spreads Its Wings, Raises $150K for Kids

THE 21ST BUTTERFLY Luncheon, benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric Butterfly Program, featured a moving testimony by Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, a former Miss America and a hospice nurse.

Introduced by emcee Lisa Malosky, Rafko-Wilson took the mic at the Junior League of Houston, where more than 200 supporters gathered on a sunny Friday afternoon. She spoke about her experiences as a nurse, and what it was like starting a hospice care service in her hometown of Monroe, Mich. Her stories had the audience in tears, both from laughter and from crying.

The event garnered $150,000 that will go directly to the Houston Hospice Butterfly Program, which cares for children ages two to 18 who have life-limiting conditions.

Joyce Salhoot, Rana McClelland, and Al and Nancy Gatmaitan

Judy Bristol, Eileen Abu-Rish and Sally Lukatz

Sue White and Rose Cullen

Nyla Nahas and Medina Hassansie

Jill Johnson and Nancy Thurington

Linda Olvera and Ruthie McGilbert

Cheryl Sorenson and Cynthia McGowen

Meg Horne and Becky Nahas

Ann Becker, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson and Debra Kahn

Lisa Malosky