The July 28 Charity BBQ for Rett Syndrome was more than just a fundraiser, it was about the bond between two little girls in Centre Wellington.
Since meeting a year ago, friends Sloane Turner and Scarlett Dekorte have connected on many levels.
A Facebook post by moms Paige Turner and Melody Dekorte explained Scarlett’s fun personality is what Sloane loves most about her friend.
Scarlett, who recently celebrated her 6th birthday, was diagnosed at a young age with Rett syndrome, a rare non-inherited genetic postnatal neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls.
It leads to severe impairments, affecting the child’s ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily.
Sloane took the reins and asked her parents numerous times if she could raise money for Scarlett to help “get the Rett out of her,” in hopes of finding a cure.
“When we said ‘yes you can absolutely do something to make a difference in Scarlett’s and other little girls’ lives with Rett’, Sloane was overjoyed and began planning,” Paige said.
The idea evolved into a busy day at an Irvine Street residence in Elora on July 28, with folks streaming in to make donations and take part in the fundraiser.
Paige thanked the local FreshCo and Zehrs for donating food, as well as entertainers and artists for donating their time, including:
– Five The Magician;
– Princess Elsa from Your Precious Princess Party;
– dance routines by Christa and Esther VanderVelde;
– the competitive dance team at Stage Presence School Of Dance;
– face painting with Cleo The Clown; and
– Taylor’s Toons, providing personalized caricatures.
Local OPP officers and firefighters with Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue were also expected to make a visit.
While all that, plus the barbecue, was happening out front, the backyard was busy with old fashioned entertainment, including egg and spoon races, potato sack races and three-legged races.
Paige said her daughter came up with the ideas for the races and entertainment.
“This fundraiser is planned and organized withso much love and care by a five-year-old,” she said.
“This event means so much to these girls and it would be amazing to have a large turnout to support Rett research, and to also teach both Sloane and Scarlett that although they may be small children, they are so powerful and able to accomplish anything they put their minds to.
“It is teaching them that the power of friendship and support is important and so worthy of many community members coming out to support them in their efforts.”
When asked why she organized the event, Sloane replied “… because my friend has Rett syndrome and I want to play with her more and I want to do the monkey bars with her.”
Other fundraisers
Last year, Sloane operated a lemonade stand last year for the same cause. Paige added her daughter also made mobiles to sell at a craft show, with all the money donated to finding a cure for Rett syndrome.
Paige explained the girls met last summer at a garage sale raising money for Scarlett’s music therapy.
