Stella Bennett, 5, looks to her cousin Dean Bennett, 8, of Arizona, during her arrival to the second annual Purple Pumpkin Gala. Photo by Doug Finger
The annual Purple Pumpkin Gala at Founders Park was held Saturday, Oct. 6 in Islamorada. The gala raises money to fight Rett Syndrome and is organized by Michelle and Travis Bennett for their daughter Stella, 5, who was diagnosed with Rett when she was two. According to Rett Syndrome.org, Rett is a rare postnatal neurological disorder that affects learning, speech, sensory sensations, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing, and digestion. It occurs mostly in girls in one of every 10,000 female births. Boys can be affected too although it’s very rare.
Kelli and Tyler Bennett check out a painted pumpkin during a silent auction for the second annual Photo by Doug Finger
Leslie Trujillo, at right facing, assists attendees with a silent auction during the second annual event. Photo by Doug Finger
Reef Bennett, 7, at bottom right, and his cousin Dean Bennett, 8, of Arizona, eat chocolates during the second part at Founders Park. Photo by Doug Finger
Mike and Wendy Sorrell have a moment together as the evening winds down. Photo by Doug Finger
Sandy Brito and Leah Wampler, at center, dance together at the gala that raises money to fight Rett Syndrome. Photo by Doug Finger
Leah Wampler, from left, Shawna Simcic, Monica Hane, Jonathon Simcic and Sandy Brito pose on the dance floor. Photo by Doug Finger
State Rep. Holly Raschein, at left, and Michelle Bennett, at right, pose together, showing off matching, temporary tattoos. Photo by Doug Finger
Travis and Michelle Bennett, at center, dance with friends and co-workers. Photo by Doug Finger
Dr. Alan Percy, a pediatric neurologist specializing in Rett syndrome, is hugged by event cohost Kathryn Kissam, at center, during the second annual Purple Pumpkin Gala at Founders Park. Photo by Doug Finger
Stella Bennett, 5, looks to her cousin Dean Bennett, 8, of Arizona, during her arrival to the second annual Purple Pumpkin Gala. Photo by Doug Finger
Reef Bennett, 7, hugs his sister Stella, 5. Photo by Doug Finger
Musician Leah Sutter exits the tent set up at Founders Park. Photo by Doug Finger
Dr. Alan Percy, a pediatric neurologist specializing in Rett syndrome, passes the mic to Michelle Bennett after speaking. Photo by Doug Finger
Travis and Michelle Bennett, at center, emcee during the second annual Purple Pumpkin Gala at Founders Park Saturday, October 6, 2018. The gala raises money to fight Rett Syndrome and is organized by Bennett’s for their daughter Stella, 5, who was diagnosed with Rett when she was two. Photo by Doug Finger