“Light the Way” fundraiser for Team Elliott and Rhizo Kids
Friends and family have organized ‘Light the Way” a fundraiser for Team Elliott and Rhizo Kids who serve the greater community for Rhizomelic Chondrodisplaysia Punctata (RCDP). The event is set for Sunday, October 11, at the Eastern Flank Event Facility.
Elliott Grace Castro was born on May 30, with a very rare terminal disease, RCDP and this fundraiser is designed to help raise funds for Elliott’s care with a portion going to Rhizo Kids. Elliott is actually the 22nd living child with the disease in the United States. RCDP is a form of dwarfism and presents with what is called skeletal dysplasia and most children don’t ever leave the hospital alive.
Event organizer and Elliott’s grandmother Brandy Blanton said, “The good news is that Elliott has already thwarted many of the normal hurdles for an RCDP baby including heart surgery, being on oxygen and a feeding tube. She is a joy in our world and this community has embraced her with open arms. This event will benefit not only Team Elliott, the name we have chosen for her cause, but the Rhizo Kids non-profit which supports research for the disease. They are actually close to unveiling a clinical trial that replaces the gene that is missing in RCDP children.”
Guests will be treated to live entertainment by local entertainers including the Williamson County Bluegrass Band and The Case Study among others. A special guest or two will step on stage on the back porch of the Eastern Flank Battle Event Facility for a few songs as well.
Families and children will enjoy the kids’ area complete with Touch-A-Truck from the Franklin Fire Department, face painting and a Musical Petting Zoo provided by Shuff’s Music. Team Elliott merchandise will also be available.
The fall event will feature deconstructed food trucks and caterers including Cool Cafe, Catering & Event by Suzette, Tin West and Pueblo Real among other locals.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. However, pets and coolers are not allowed.
Event organizers ask guests to RSVP so they can help plan for food vendors, wine and beer sales as well as Team Elliott merchandise. RSVP through Eventbrite: http://tinyurl.com/LighttheWayevent.
The event opens at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11, and is free and open to the public with a donation suggestion of $20 per person or $50 per family at the gate. Cash and checks are accepted. Donations can be made at FirstBank or mailed to Team Elliott, 406 Vienna Ct., Franklin, 37067.
For more information, email Brandy Blanton at brandy@southernexposuremagazine.com or call 615.300.5251.
