MAKANDA - Blue Sky Vineyard offered food, wine and song Saturday to raise money for finding a cure for Tay-Sachs, a genetic neurological disease.

The event included music from acts such as Carlos Alberto and the Natives and a silent auction with items such as jewelry and St. Louis Cardinals tickets.

The event was formed by Tim and Kerri Rochman, parents of four-year-old Elise. Kerri Rochman said they were nervous about the attendance because of the heat, but was pleased with the turnout.

Ken Bihn, president of the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, said benefits like the one at Blue Sky help researchers come closer to finding a cure.

"We do a lot of fund raisers around the country, but this one is big in comparison," Bihn said.

He said thanks to such benefits, the foundation has managed to raise $877,000 in the last year and a half. In the past, the benefit at Blue Sky has raised as much as $45,000. He said he likes the benefits because contrary to what some may think a benefit for a terminal disease would be like, the families get together and enjoy themselves.

"These are the most alive group of people you are ever going to meet," Bihn said.

Kerri Rochman said the event also serves as families with Tay-Sachs children to come together.

"It's kind of a mini-reunion for many Tay-Sachs families," Rochman said. "Part of the healing process is being round other families."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

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