GABRIELS - Organizers were thrilled with the turnout at the third annual Rockin' for Rett benefit Saturday.
"It's awesome," said Jen Dalton, the lead organizer. "It's unreal. The community's really coming out.
"It's like the field of dreams. The cars keep coming."
She didn't have exact numbers, but she said there were definitely more people this year than either of the previous two, thanks in part to the warm weather. In 2010 the fundraiser was held on a cold day, but Dalton called Saturday's weather perfect.
The event is dedicated to Dalton's daughter Emma, who has Rett syndrome, but there were two other little girls named Emma with Rett syndrome who attended the event, and seven girls total who have the disease, coming from as far away as New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Western New York and even Indiana.
Emma just started kindergarten at Petrova Elementary School this September, and Dalton said many of her classmates attended Saturday's event. Jen Dalton is a music teacher at the school.
Concerts by local musicians, food, face painting, a bounce house, a silent auction and Tucker Farms' corn maze were part of Rockin' for Rett.
Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder that mostly affects girls. They are often unable to walk, talk or effectively use their hands, and many also have seizure disorders, problems with eating and other issues. Scientists found what may be a cure in 2007, and they're now looking for a way to effectively and safely deliver treatments. Dalton said people are estimating it will be accomplished in three to five years.
All proceeds from the event will go to support research for a cure by way of Girl Power 2 Cure, the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, and the Rett Clinic at Montfiore Children's Hospital in the Bronx.
With Rett syndrome, girls can get symptoms for every other neurological disorder, from Parkinson's to epilepsy to Alzheimer's, so finding a cure for Rett may open the door to curing those conditions as well, Dalton said.
Dalton didn't have an estimate yet for how much money Saturday's event raised, but last year it raised $25,000 and the previous two years together raised about $42,000.
