Jenny Hubbard, mother to Catherine Violet Hubbard, a child lost on 12/14, did not feel like a trip to the zoo was enough to honor her daughter who passed.

“We decided, the year after Catherine died, we went to the zoo to honor her life … it just didn’t feel like a birthday, a celebration of her life and her time here on earth,” said Hubbard, president of The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. “I made a decision after that that the way that we would honor her birthday is through a true birthday celebration, and that has become Catherine’s Butterfly Party.”

Hubbard described it as the “all the animals birthday party” Catherine always wanted. Now in its tenth edition, the Butterfly Party, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, noon-4 pm, at Fairfield Hills Campus, 36 Keating Farms Avenue, is slated to help more animals than ever before.

The milestone celebration will stick to some of its traditional activities — demonstrations from military working dogs, main stage demonstrations from other animal rescues, face painting, hair tinsel, games, crafts, and more — while this year this year will also add a little something special to the mix.

With the addition of Ken Elkins, director of education and partnerships with CVH Animal Sanctuary, Catherine’s Butterfly Party will now sport the new “Discovery Den.” The Discovery Den will be an in-depth look at how insects and creatures often found in the area see the world and use the resources available in Newtown backyards. Hubbard recommended attendees get there quick — she expects a line.

Recently, Elkins also led a very successful, and apparently peaceful, golden hour hike through CVH Animal Sanctuary land. Elkins taught the attendees about various plants and vines that are common in New England and how each contributes to the overall health of the environment.

The Discovery Den is not the only new addition for this year. The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard will be joining the festivities, too.

This year, 28 rescue organizations will be represented from the tri-state area with adoptable pets to meet and greet. Pets range from regular cats and dogs to parrots, guinea pigs, and more. Nine animal welfare groups will also be attending Catherine’s Butterfly Party with animal ambassadors for children to interact with and learn more about.

Bring Love Home — From Newtown To Your Town

Hubbard told The Newtown Bee that more than 28 rescues will be represented by CVH Animal Sanctuary. This year, to celebrate what would have been Catherine’s 20th birthday, the sanctuary is partnering with over 100 rescues from all 50 states to create a mega adoption event across the country.

“The Butterfly Party has welcomed, year over year, over 10,000 people, and they come from Washington D.C. to Maine. It’s nuts,” Hubbard said. “We always have this question in our minds of how do we engage our audience, which is a national audience, and allow them the opportunity to be part of the spirit and the essence of Catherine’s Butterfly Party?”

Hubbard explained that there are so many rescues out there that are doing great work that deserve to be spotlighted like the rescues joining the Butterfly Party in person. Now, the team at CVH Animal Sanctuary can share the stories of animals from across the country on social media and encourage locals to either adopt, volunteer, donate, or just follow the several rescues to support their various missions. CVH Animal Sanctuary has over 1.5 million views across Instagram and Facebook, and is now starting a TikTok page, too.

Each animal that either finds a new home or rescue that is supported by individuals helps support the mission at CVH Animal Sanctuary.

“We believe that animals need to live free from harm in homes and native habitats, and that’s not just confined to Connecticut,” Hubbard explained. “If we can share our audience with rescues from across the country, and help spotlight and amplify their work, and place animals with them, we’re doing what Catherine would want.”

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCS) is also joining the Butterfly Party to continue sharing the news and work for all rescues involved. Hubbard said she always knows when it is time for the Butterfly Party when she can see the ASPCA mobile units get off Exit 11.

This year, Hubbard expects to place around 600 to 700 animals between Bring Love Home — From Newtown To Your Town and the rescues represented at the party. More info about the nation-wide event can be found at cvhfoundation.org/cbp-national.

Last year, even with the rain, over 9,000 people showed up for the celebration. This year, Hubbard expects to draw about 10,000 people in a four-hour span.

“For me, it’s a testament to the power of community. The power of kindness and compassion, and what happens when you stay true to intention and mission,” Hubbard said. “For years, people had advised us to maybe start charging an entrance fee … We’ve always said ‘No.’ The event is free because of the generosity of so many sponsors.”

Hubbard said she hopes for “blue skies and bright smiles.” She wants to look out on the Fairfield Hills campus and see everyone coming together. Catherine’s Butterfly Party is another way to show the world what resiliency looks like, according to Hubbard.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.