The 3rd Annual EDNF Rock for Research Fundraising Concert (a benefit hosted by the EDNF DC Metro Charter to raise awareness and funds in support of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) was held on Saturday, October 7^th from 3 to 11 pm at Sunshine Christian Outreach Center, 21811 Georgia Avenue in beautiful horse country Brookeville MD. For only $15 (kids $10 or free), this event provided numerous delightful ways for everyone to enjoy the day. There was plentiful and delicious hot food, hot coffee and hot chocolate. We snacked on fresh popcorn, and made our own cotton candy. The adults enjoyed the premium beer and wine garden. At the registration table there was lots of valuable EDS information shared, and past and present event t-shirts for sale. Kids had oodles of fun activities to keep them busy: spin art, face painting, feeding the donkeys and other animals, three different moon bounces, and several FREE carnival games with REAL prizes! The homemade crafts also received rave reviews: “The jams are delicious. My husband, a peach lover gave the peach jam high praises, It tastes like real peaches!” “As for the strawberry rhubarb, I just love it!” “I bought some of the homemade blackberry jam and tried it when I got back. It is really good, and I wish I'd bought more!” “I will be counting down to next year!”
 
Everyone for acres around enjoyed the fantastic music coming from six live bands playing throughout the day. First on stage was Mike Lofgren on guitar and accompanied by an accomplished violinist. Their set psyched up the crowd with many recognizable and danceable tunes. Next, Sean Gaiser, singer/guitarist from the nationally acclaimed group Kenin was on hand to play an acoustic set that thrilled everyone. It was obvious that this event had attracted first class musicians to its lineup this year. It could have been the case that the next performer (as a relative unknown) might have been intimidated following two widely recognizable musicians; but, no! Two young members of the EDNF Richmond Group took the stage in their incarnation as Neptunes Daughter. Lauren McGinley is an exquisite vocalist and skilled guitarist, and was deftly accompanied by brother, Christian. Their set was thoughtful, deep, introspective and simply lovely. At this midway point of the day, the stage was reconfigured with more speakers and amps as the more elaborately electrified groups readied to take over for the rest of the evening. Mary Ann Redmonds powerful, rich and bluesy voice then filled the air as she and her band called everyone to attention. We all complied and she kept our rapt attention through her entire energetic set. The Strohs continued at the same fast pace with all original material with super catchy hooks. Somehow, we all had been turned into dancing fools. Nobody could keep still even though our stomachs were full and the night was getting late. The entire crowd had been impressed from the very first tune and as we drew nearer and nearer to the last there was still not one person unenthusiastically participating right. Hadrian’s Wall took the stage knowing that they had a huge responsibility of bringing the evening to a close without letting everyone down. They expertly pulled it off, firing up first some Rolling Stones and then couching some compelling Neil Young in between original material and other recognizable rock classics. As the last note played, the crowd cheered, hands were slapped and people hugged and smiled. Under the beautiful moon of the cool fall evening, everyone felt part of a truly memorable event.
 
It was so much fun to hang with your group(s)... they're a great bunch! It was great for Lauren and Christian to feel like they could actually do something about EDS. They couldn't control it as it devastated their brothers, but they could at least fight for the others they have met along the way. Shares EDNF member, Denise McGinley. Member, Nancy Davis commented, "It's easy to forget how much healing there is in sheer fun (especially when it involves music)! Great event! Excellent musical performances. In spite of the cold and rain, it was an enjoyable and uplifting experience!”
 
Sheri Collins, the President of the EDNF DC Metro Charter and organizer of all three years of the annual EDNF Rock for Research states, “Despite the torrential downpours and ugly skies, our little shindig was quite a success! The highlight of the 2006 R4R was our dedicated participants who happily braced the cold and rain to show their support for our cause. Without our attendees, we would be nowhere!” A special thank you needs to go out to the numerous volunteers:  Andy, Drew & Caitie Collins, Vicky & Rohni Nelson, Matt & Brad, Susan & Steve Grinnan, Sara Person, Mags & Larry Foote, Joyce Nugent, Nancy Davis, Jim Welch, Diane Reed, Kate Nardone, Louise Rampershaud, Good Counsel High School's Key Club, and several individual high school students from both Sherwood H.S. and Good Counsel H.S (you all know who you are)! And another special thank you to these generous sponsors without whom we would not have had an event this year:  the Pujol Family, Sunshine Christian Ministries, Fun 4 Hours, Capital Rentals, W.H. Rentals, Scott Teague's Academy of Martial Arts, Grinnan Plumbing & Heating, Kathleen Milenkowic & family, PartyDC.com, N & S Rentals, the Welch Family, Kevin Lee & family, the Sweeney family, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, and all other donors who gave so generously.

Initial estimates of funds raised are upward of $3,500. We sincerely wish to thank everyone who made this possible. Join us next year and help us make this event an even bigger success. You won’t be let down because for fellowship and fun and for such a worthy cause, you’ll not find a better time.