More than $3,600 was raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at fund-raiser held at City Streets Café in East Windsor.
By: Lauren Burgoon
EAST WINDSOR The frightful winter weather did not keep hundreds of people from partying long into the night for a juvenile diabetes fund-raiser Sunday.
Almost 200 people crowded City Streets Café on Route 130 South to listen to music and raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at a fund-raiser organized by an East Windsor man.
"It was beyond my expectations," said organizer Brett Gash of Oakmont Terrace. "We raised more than $3,600 and some more checks are coming in."
Mr. Gash said several friends who were unable to attend promised to send donations. All of the money raised will be sent to the foundation, which funds research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
"There was a mixed crowd," said Jeremy Stahl, general manager at City Streets Café. "We definitely had our football regulars plus the people who came out for the music."
Mr. Stahl said, despite some snow and uncertain road conditions, the gathering was large and energetic and people stayed until long after the music ended at 1:30 a.m.
"The weather was bad, so we would’ve had more people without it," Mr. Stahl said. "But the people who were there had fun. There was a great vibe and everyone had fun."
The juvenile diabetes fund-raiser attracted many local adults who were diagnosed with the disease as children, according to Mr. Gash. He said their willingness to discuss the disease is important to keep a stigma about juvenile diabetes from forming. Their example may have helped a local youth with juvenile diabetes be more open about his condition.
"Evan (Rowland, 11) would never tell people he had diabetes before," Mr. Gash said. "But he was going around telling people he had it" on Sunday. The benefit featured musicians and singers from 11 bands, all of whom donated their time.
"A lot of credit goes to the band. They played great stuff. They were just unbelievable," Mr. Gash said. He expressed gratitude that so many people were willing to donate their talents to aid the foundation.
One musician made a greater sacrifice to play at the benefit, at least in the eyes of football fans. Billy Mack, a guitar player from Boston, Mass., had tickets for the New England Patriots playoff game but gave his tickets to a friend so he could play at the fundraiser.
"But what goes around, comes around, and it all comes back to you," Mr. Gash said. He said Mr. Mack’s grateful friend bought the guitarist airline and Super Bowl tickets for the Feb. 1 game.
Mr. Gash called the fund-raiser a success and said the credit goes to the many people who volunteered their time and efforts.
"From City Streets on down, everyone came out and helped. All those people deserve a big round of applause," Mr. Gash said.