The Butterfly Foundation

07/08/2025

What a beautiful tribute today on this amazing playground, marking 10 years since the loss of Katie. The Butterfly Athletic Park has become a special place for so many, and it’s heartwarming to see it named one of the nation’s best inclusive playgrounds. 💙🦋💙

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/southtowns/their-safe-place-butterfly-athletic-park-at-wales-primary-named-one-of-nations-best-inclusive-playgrounds?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5Qnvsfxfd7NwPADytBPLxUFNPVOIKrZmGOBVDyj7NE9Ki1umfsV0oBFuDGXg_aem_yCCJOOijSeT_PI1TCYs-bw

A playground that began as a tribute to a young life lost is now earning national recognition as a shining example of inclusive play in Western New York.

05/23/2025

Nearly ten years later, Butterfly Athletic Park is still making headlines. Recently ranked among the top ten inclusive school playgrounds in the United States, it stands out for its exceptional facilities, commitment to accessibility, and strong community support. The recognition reflects the lasting impact of those who helped make it a valued part of the community. 💙🦋💙

Parks in Buffalo and East Aurora are being recognized among the best in the country. Buffalo is among the best cities for parks, and Wales Primary School is among the most inclusive playgrounds.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Thanks to the incredible generosity and unwavering support of our community, over $70,000 was raised in 2024 for The Red Hawks' Nest Project! With this amount matched by The Butterfly Foundation, we are thrilled to announce that the goal of $140,000 has been exceeded! However, we’re not done yet. Donations and brick orders will continue to be accepted until March 1, 2025 to help us add even more to the project!

This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without each and every one of you who believed in the vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive outdoor space for the Iroquois Intermediate students. The Red Hawks' Nest Project is more than just a play area; it’s a space where 4th and 5th graders can learn, play, and grow outdoors while fostering physical activity, character development, and community engagement.

To all who shared our story, to all who donated- thank you. Your generosity has laid the foundation for a lasting legacy that will enrich the lives of students for years to come. As we move into 2025, we are excited to share updates on the project’s progress and look forward to celebrating its grand opening with you all. Together, we are building a brighter, stronger, and more connected community.

**Great News! THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION,** ***honoring the life and spirit of Katie Durkin***, **has agreed to match your donations DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR until the **Due to the changing amount of total amount fundraised so far.. the total seen on the thermometer is not the "Doubled" Value.** Welcome to T...

12/31/2024

✨ End 2024 with a difference! ✨ The Butterfly Foundation is matching donations dollar-for-dollar until midnight tonight! Donate TODAY to The Red Hawks' Nest at Iroquois Intermediate School and help us create a transformative outdoor space!
💰 We’re LESS THAN $4,000 away from our $70,000 goal, which will fully fund the project at $140,000 with the match!
🧱 Brick purchases included in the match! Together, we can bring this vision to life.
📧 Questions? Email Lauren Cashmore at [email protected].
🎯 Donate now and make a lasting impact! Happy New Year!

**Great News! THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION,** ***honoring the life and spirit of Katie Durkin***, **has agreed to match your donations DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR until the **Due to the changing amount of total amount fundraised so far.. the total seen on the thermometer is not the "Doubled" Value.** Welcome to T...

12/09/2024

The importance of play is what drove Iroquois grad, Lauren Porter Cashmore, to get involved in fundraising for the Red Hawks Nest Project, a dedicated recess area for Iroquois intermediate students in grades four and five where they will be able learn, play and grow outdoors in the fresh air. Two in...

12/03/2024

Today is Giving Tuesday! The Butterfly Foundation is proud to match every donation made to the Red Hawks' Nest Project at Iroquois Intermediate School. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting impact on students and the community.
Your donation is doubled when you donate here: https://school-giving-drive-temp-53335.cheddarup.com/ All donations are tax-deductible through the Kiwanis Club of Elma 501(c)(3).

Thank you for being Kind And Thoughtful In Everything you do.

**Great News! THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION,** ***honoring the life and spirit of Katie Durkin***, **has agreed to match your donations DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR until the Welcome to The Red Hawks Nest' Project — A place where Iroquois Intermediate Students learn, play and grow outdoors! **A project proudly sp...

11/20/2024

The Butterfly Foundation is pleased to announce our partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Elma and the Iroquois School District to help achieve a financial goal of $140,000 to complete the Red Hawk Nest Project at the Iroquois Intermediate School. To make this dream a reality, The Butterfly Foundation will match every dollar raised until the end of the year!

The Red Hawk Nest Project aims to create an outdoor play area for 4th and 5th graders, promoting physical activity, character development, and community engagement. The project will include:
• A Pavilion (similar to the one built at The Butterfly Park at Wales Primary)
• All-Season Picnic Tables
• 2 Pickleball/Handball Courts
• 2 Four Square Courts
• Basketball 1/2 Court
• Additional Equipment

This initiative aligns with our mission to support children and foster a sense of community while encouraging outdoor play and healthy activities.

How You Can Help:
There are many ways to participate! Explore the attachments for details, including a special opportunity to leave a lasting impact by purchasing a personalized brick for the project. To make a donation or purchase a brick, visit https://school-giving-drive-temp-53335.cheddarup.com

Thank you for your support in helping us make this project a reality. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season!
-The Butterfly Foundation

06/18/2024

The Butterfly Foundation is proud to announce our second 2024 KATIE Award recipient from Wales Primary: 3rd grader Belle Norton. Belle’s teachers describe her as having a heart of gold and a spirit of compassion; consistently demonstrating a commitment to making others feel welcome, included, and valued. Her sweet and kind nature combined with her great sense of humor has made her a positive role model in the lives of those around her. Congratulations Belle for being so kind and thoughtful in everything! 🦋💙🦋

06/18/2024

The Butterfly Foundation is proud to announce our first 2024 KATIE Award recipient from Wales Primary: 4th grader Landon Kwaizer. Landon’s teachers describe him as being compassionate towards his friends and teachers, and always ready to lend a helping hand and include others. Landon shows awareness of his peers’ well-being and offers support when needed. He demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and personal growth, while displaying sweetness, inclusivity, and helpfulness in his interactions. Congratulations Landon for being so kind and thoughtful in everything! 💙🦋💙

06/23/2023

Congratulations to Katherine "Katie" McCauley, the recipient of this year's K.A.T.I.E. award at Wales Primary.

"Katie not only shares the name, but also shares the natural sweetness and kindness toward others that this award represents. Katie does not hesitate to help her friends and teachers. She will always work hard to lead by example in doing the right thing. Katie is someone to look up to when working to find the good and peace in the world. She will always care, and she will always give her best."

Thank you Katie for being kind and thoughtful in everything you do!