Our View: It’s Chili Time! Let’s turn up the heat on Rett Syndrome

You’re invited!

Gym teacher Paul Elser and his wife Carrie will be hosting a family friendly chili cook-off fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 7, to help bring awareness to Rett Syndrome and raise money for a cure. The fundraiser is scheduled to take place at 2819 Willow Lane, in Cedar Falls.

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in young women. It causes the deterioration of coordination, speech and motor skills.

The Elser family holds this fundraiser each year in honor of their daughter, Kylie Elser, a current CFHS student diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. The event has raised a great deal of money in the past, the first year raising close to $5,000, and then raising nearly double that in the years to follow. The Elser family has raised over $50,000 in the eight years they have been hosting the event.

A variety of chili will be served at the fundraiser, ranging from spicy, smoked to vegetarian. The fundraiser also plans to host children’s games, a raffle and a silent auction.

All proceeds will go to rettsyndrome.org and work toward funding cutting-edge research for the disease and providing familial support for those affected by individuals that struggle with the ailment.

Those interested in helping out with the fundraiser can contact Paul Elser for information. Any volunteers, raffle donations or any general donations would be greatly appreciated, so this Saturday, let’s all go out and support Kylie and raise funds for finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.