CORNING – The community rallied for research at an event that raised thousands of dollars to assist children with Ring 14 – a chromosome disorder.
The Rodgers Theatre in Corning was home to CharlieFest 2 the afternoon of Saturday, March 29. Now in its second year, the event was the brainchild of Mark Monroe of Corning. His 2-year-old granddaughter Charlotte “Charlie” Monroe, has Ring 14 chromosome disorder, a rare disease that affects a couple hundred people worldwide. It is moderately to severely disabling.
Mark Monroe said the event was a huge success that garnered approximately $11,000 for Ring 14 research. Local businesses and individuals donated numerous items for the raffle, which included gift baskets, musical instruments, gift certificates and artwork.
The festival featured performances by musicians Mumblefinger, Stoning Giants, Irish Cement, and Dane Barbo. Community activities, raffles, and a bake sale were also featured. It was a family-friendly event attended by people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. Food was provided by the East Coast Food Pub and Grill food truck.
Following the festival mark Monroe said, “What great performers. We were so honored to have Mumblefinger headlining. Go see this band, they are great. Stoning Giants will rock you. I can’t stop listening to them and can’t wait to hear the brand-new album that’s on the way. Irish Cement is always good and play songs you want to hear, the way they should be played. I’m a fan, you should be too. Dane Barbo, thank you for opening the show, very well done indeed. Corning is your home and you made us proud.”
Closing out the musical portion of the event was a stellar performance by the international blues legend Big Mo, who made a guest appearance. He joined Brian Birkes and the Mumblefinger band on stage.
As a result of Ring 14, the family moved from California to North Carolina to obtain specialized medical care. Anthony Monroe said Charlie has every specialist at Duke in her corner and does in-home therapies regularly. Though the family could not attend the festival in person, a video from the family of gratitude was shared between musical acts. It included a heartfelt depiction of the life of a Ring 14 family. The response from the crowd was tearful and hopeful all at once.
All proceeds from the festival will go to Ring 14 USA and a local special needs family in Corning, Charlie’s father, Anthony Monroe, said. “The benefit concert was originally made for our daughter, Charlie but now it supports the Ring 14 USA non-profit and local special needs families.”
The family, friends and volunteers intend to hold the festival each year as an annual event.
