An Outpouring of Kindness in Preparing for Saturday's Because of 26 Event

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that took the lives of 20 children and six adults, two Southington moms longed to find a way to make their children’s world a little kinder, a little gentler.

So Lisa Wrubleski and Erin Furniss dreamed up ‘Because of 26’ and planned to plant 26 butterfly bushes – one in honor of each victim - along the town’s linear trail.

“What if we could make their immediate world and town we live in a kinder, gentler and more friendly? Would it not be something we should do?” Furniss told the Southington Board of Education earlier this year

And it seems much of the town felt the same way since residents eagerly joined the effort and have added their own gifts to make it grow.

Parents and children are working together to nurture caterpillars, distributed through Because of 26, into butterflies to release during the ceremony on June 15.

The project will not only have a beautiful outcome, but has been a beautiful process.

Offers to help have poured in from dozens of residents and businesses – in Southington and farther away. 

And crocheted butterflies have been made and sent from Iowa, Maine, South Carolina, Texas, military overseas and as far as the United Kingdom by people who have heard about Because of 26.

Many of them stopped by the group’s Facebook page to offer support and encouragement. 

Carole Ross, who is from Newtown, where residents were buried in mountains of donations that in some cases could not be used, reflected on Because of 26’s gesture.

“…We have received many, many wonderful gifts from around the world. Doing this in your town, for your children, in honor of ours truly ranks as one of my most favorite,” she wrote.

Along with the hundreds of crocheted and knit butterflies, butterfly benches, face painting, refreshments, video and photography services have been donated for the event.

Because of 26 is asking for residents and anyone who would like to participate, to attend the event June 15 and promote kindness in Southington. The event begins at 10 a.m. on the Plantsville Town Green with a 30-minute program including releasing butterflies, music and guest speakers. Planting 26 butterfly bushes and kid-friendly activities, including drawing and writing words of kindness with chalk, will follow on the Rails to Trails. 

This Yapp App gives details about Saturday's events.