The First Annual TANGO2 Benefit Banquet & Auction was held on October 28th at St. Clements Castle in Portland, CT to help Shine a Light on TANGO2. The event was hosted by Kasha and Mike Morris of East Hampton, CT whose son Ryan is affected by TANGO2 disease. The event raised over $33,000 to benefit the TANGO2 Research Foundation.

There were over 175 people in attendance, 20+ student volunteers (from UConn, ECSU and EHHS), an outstanding performance by the EHHS Jazz Band and 100+ auction items generously donated by individuals and local businesses. The auction items ranged from two African Safaris and weekend getaways to homes in Maine and Cape Cod, to themed baskets, sports & theater tickets and dozens of gift cards. A Banquet Committee oversaw the planning and coordination of this event.

Speakers included Kasha Morris, Mike Morris and Dr. Cheyenne Beach, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Cardiology & Electrophysiology) at the Yale School of Medicine. After Mike’s opening remarks, Kasha shared Ryan’s story and the Morris’s story as a family leading up to a diagnosis and the founding of the TANGO2 Research Foundation post-diagnosis.

Kasha and Mike would like to thank all those who attended and supported the event – it was an overwhelming success. “The event exceeded our expectations in every way and we’re so grateful to all those who shared the night with us as well as the local businesses and other individuals who contributed“. “The outpouring of love and support from family, friends and the surrounding community was nothing short of amazing“, said the Morrises. “The event itself would not have happened without the help of the remarkable individuals on the Banquet Committee – we can’t thank you enough“, they added. Planning is already underway for next year’s event.