The community’s temperature raised a few degrees each day it was exposed to Horse Fever. The fifty-two fiberglass horses sponsored by the Marion Cultural Alliance infected the hearts and enthusiasm of residents and visitors alike. The team members of Hospice of Marion County felt the symptoms as well, especially when coming in contact with one particular horse that was the physical representation of Hospice—HorseFly.

HorseFly’s Artist Maggie Weakley felt the same connection. “Before I ever put a brush stroke of paint on the horse, the Ocala Style Magazine came out with the Butterfly cover promoting the Butterfly Festival,” said Maggie. “I knew immediately this was meant to be.”

The First Horse Unveiled
At the opening of the 19th Century Masterworks Exhibit at the Appleton Museum of Art, Maggie and her husband Kent approached Hospice about unveiling HorseFly at the Butterfly Festival. When Kent asked if Hospice would be interested, it was an answer to our prayers. We knew about Horse Fever and thought we had missed the opportunity to have a horse for Hospice. Little did anyone know the perfect one had been created! When Laurie Menard and Paula King with the Marion Cultural gave the go-ahead to unveil HorseFly a week early at our event, we were thrilled. It almost seemed too good to be true.

The events of September 11 caused a pause with Butterfly Festival plans. Would it be safe to hold a large event less than two weeks after such a traumatic act of terror? Should we cancel out of respect for the country’s tremendous loss? The answer always came back to proceed. The Butterfly Festival would not only raise funds for future Bereavement Camps, but it would also serve as a time of healing and hope for our community. An emotional ceremony for the victims of September 11 included a tribute from then Mayor E.L. Foster, a beautiful rendition of God Bless America by Hospice Nurse Susan Pixley, and a release of Swallowtail butterflies. Then HorseFly played her role—a symbol of hope unveiled, visually representing the truth—Life Goes On!

Let the Bidding Begin!
The advertising supplement to the Ocala Star Banner spotlighting the horses included an advertisement from Hospice of Marion County. The ad expressed appreciation to the Horse Fever organizers and planted the seed that Hospice of Marion County wanted to provide a permanent home for HorseFly. When the phrase was used “Let the Bidding Begin”, we never anticipated how high it could go!

Visual Inspiration
While HorseFly became a mascot for employees at Hospice, getting HorseFly for Hospice became a mission for others. Laurie Bush had downloaded a screen saver of HorseFly onto her computer. She loves horses and loves Hospice. It was a natural fit. She shared her inspiration with Development Director Suzanne Reynolds. “I saw Laurie’s screen saver and had to have it on my computer,” said Suzanne. “We wanted someone to buy her for us so badly, I thought it was inspiration for me…little did I know it would be such a key to our getting HorseFly!” Suzanne was visited by Chuck Yarborough, a minister who had written a song he wanted to donate to Hospice patients. Rev. Yarborough saw the monitor and heard the story. He went home and composed a beautiful letter to the Editor encouraging a philanthropist to buy HorseFly for Hospice.

A Letter Read
The day Rev. Yarborough’s letter was published in the Ocala Star Banner, Marion Montanari had the answer to her own personal question. Mrs. Montanari’s husband received beautiful care from Hospice before his death in July of 2001. “I wanted to do something special for Hospice but didn’t really know what to do,” said Mrs. Montanari. “I wanted to do something that would be meaningful to Hospice and truly honor my husband’s memory. When I read the letter I knew exactly what to do.”

SOLD!
Marion Montanari was no stranger to a horse auction. She and her husband Monty had been breeding and selling thoroughbreds for twenty years. However, this was the first time she found herself bidding for a horse that would wear colorful wings instead of a racing saddle. “The bidding went a little higher than I thought,” said Mrs. Montanari, “But I knew it was for a great cause and Monty would have loved it.” The auctioneer’s gavel pounded SOLD at $45,000, the third highest horse at the action.

Since HorseFly came home, she has been visited by young and old. Her landscaping and lighting was prepared and is available for your viewing pleasure at the corner of SW 34th Avenue and SW 31st Road in Paddock Professional Park off of Highway 200.

Marion and Adelio Montanari

Adelio Montanari never compromised his belief that each child has the right to have a fair shot in life, no matter how difficult his/her circumstances were. In 1952, he founded a clinical school for severely disturbed children in South Florida. Montanari served as an advocate as well as an educator for these children. He was a pioneer in the development of teaching techniques for emotionally troubled youth living in a community setting. “Monty” as he was known by friends, clients, and staff co-authored two books, Demon in My View and The Montanari Book. In the early 1970’s Monty and his wife Marion founded a non-profit Troubled Children’s Foundation. The mission of their foundation fit perfectly with Hospice’s vision for Children’s Bereavement Camps.

“I know Monty would love the fact that the proceeds from HorseFly will benefit Children’s Bereavement Programs,” said Marion Montanari. “He had such a unique ability to see people who were hurting, especially children. He could lift them up in such a fun way, and with dignity and grace.” Mrs. Montanari remembers her husband’s passion for his projects and his determination that others would follow through. “He held people accountable for doing the right thing when it came to helping others or jumping on board for a good cause.”

A true Italian, Monty loved opera. He served as President of the Florida Grand Opera, and was a member of the Executive Committee for many years. He and his wife Marion were founding members of the Miami Salon Group, which as a cultural organization, has raised almost a million dollars for Florida artists and fine arts. One of the highlights of Monty’s life was serving as the host for Opera star Luciano Pavarotti when he visited Miami. Monty also escorted him to his appointments and served as his interpreter for Pavarotti’s engagement.

For more than twenty years, the Montanari couple has been involved in Marion County on their thoroughbred horse farm where they have raised many racetrack winners. It was at this farm they retired before Monty’s final days of battling the effects of a long time siege of Parkinson’s disease. He left behind his wife of thirty years, Marion, and his two children Adle Yermack and Gary Montanari along with four grandchildren. Monty’s passing was difficult for his family and friends but the care and dignity given to him by the Hospice staff made a profound impression on all who loved him. The contagious smile and hearty laugh he shared with his loved ones lives on through the joy brought to children of all ages when they visit HorseFly.