Nathan's Butterflies
Promoting Acts of Kindness
Previous Events
Nathan's Butterflies events are born from the desire to spread kindness throughout the community, stemming from the founder, Ben's, personal journey of coping with the loss of his little brother, Nathan. Ben's own experience of "feeling good" through acts of kindness became his six-year-old attempt at grief therapy. These events are a testament to the notion that children often perceive needs that adults may overlook. At Nathan's Butterflies, children provide the ideas, and their voices are heard and valued. Through their creativity and compassion, these events serve as a beacon of light amidst grief, fostering a community united in spreading love and kindness.
Wont You Be My Neighbor Day
Nathan’s Butterflies participated in an annual event on Mr. Roger’s Birthday on March 20th at the Vestal Public Library, to remember his legacy of kindness. “Dolly’s Kindness Journey” a story about Dolly the Doodle Dog and pals on a playful journey with options to emphasize kindness and empathy was read to children and parents. A kindness activity was shared with the participants to inspire acts of kindness and express gratitude to special people in the neighborhood. This event and interview was televised by two local stations in the Binghamton area.
Bottle And Can Drive
Nathan’s Butterflies teamed up with Tioga Hills Elementary for a Bottle & Can Drive to support the SUNY Broome Health for Haiti Kitchen Project. The Butterfly Crew collected redeemable cans and bottles, turning recyclables into funds for a meaningful cause. Through this initiative, Nathan’s Butterflies continued its mission of spreading kindness by responding to community needs and making a tangible impact.
Broome Families Forward Event
The Broome Families Forward Event, joined by Nathan’s Butterflies, is a free, family-focused evening dedicated to mental health awareness and connecting the community with local resources. Held on October 10, 2024, at SUNY Broome, the event features family-friendly activities, giveaways, a free meal, and an ice cream bar. Highlights include “Paint the Ice for Mental Wellness,” interactive booths from local organizations, and fun games. Join Nathan’s Butterflies in spreading kindness and promoting healthy lifestyles, happy homes, and creative expression!
Walk to Remember
Nathan’s Butterflies participated in “A Walk to Remember” to support parents, children, family members, friends, and healthcare professionals at the Vestal Coal House on October 14, 2024. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This annual event is hosted by UHS and has been an opportunity to share our story as a family as well as the power of kindness in the grief journey. Ben was proud to act as a speaker at the first event in 2018.
CHOW Food Drive
The CHOW Food Drive with Vestal Little League started in 2022 and has become a successful annual event, supporting our community food bank during the playoffs. Thanks to generous contributions, nearly 5,000 meals and $1,500 in cash donations have been collected. This initiative continues to grow each year, bringing the community together to fight hunger.
Come and Playdate
Nathan’s Butterflies was proud to support Binghamton University Community Schools at Come and Play Day, a community event promoting learning and connection. Our table featured resources and activities encouraging kindness and empathy, complementing the interactive experiences provided by BU Community Schools representatives. This event aligned with our mission to inspire acts of kindness and strengthen community bonds.
Other Events
In addition to our featured events, Nathan’s Butterflies is proud to support a wide range of meaningful initiatives that uplift communities near and far. Our organization works closely with children and teens, empowering them to take an active role in organizing and executing these efforts—fostering leadership, compassion, and a spirit of giving from a young age. Together, we’ve led school supply drives, matched a $1000 donation to build a kitchen in Haiti, contributed to the Toys for Tots program, and provided spare underwear to school nurses for students in need. We’ve also supported essential workers and partnered with the Girl Scouts during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Nathan’s Butterflies, we believe in the power of youth-driven change and are committed to spreading kindness and making a lasting impact.
