TOMS RIVER – HOPE Sheds Light, a Toms River-based nonprofit organization, held a successful groundbreaking on their new Butterfly Garden on May 12. HOPE Sheds Light is dedicated to educating people on the disease of addiction, and this Butterfly Garden will become a place for reflection and remembrance.
Freeholders Joseph Vicari and Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, Toms River Council President Brian S. Kubiel, Toms River Councilman Maurice B. Hill, Jr. and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little were in attendance to say a few words.
“We are going to find hope and we are not going to settle for despair,” said Freeholder Vicari. “We are going to win this battle. We are here to let you know that we understand your plight. Let’s continue to fight hard and be part of this great crusade.”
The garden was designed by Lee Webb, President of FWH Associates. It features a zen-like atmosphere, planted with flora that attracts butterflies, a symbol of transformation.
“This new butterfly garden will be a place to reflect and remember… a place to find peace, beauty and solitude,” said Stephen Willis, Co-founder of HOPE Sheds Light.
HOPE Sheds Light will also host a variety of events during the summer, including the OceanFirst Charity Challenge, a special appearance by Mike “The Inspiration” Sorrentino, the NJ Recovery Film Festival and the 5th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk.
