A Night at the Market: Our 2025 Fall Fundraiser in Detroit
On 7th November 2025, more than 500 people came together at Detroit’s Eastern Market for a night none of us will ever forget. What started as a conversation at the beginning of the year, when Andrea Bedway Wait, mum to Sophie, a little girl living with NARS1 Disorder, reached out to the Rory Belle Foundation with the idea of hosting our fall fundraiser. This grew into one of the most meaningful and impactful events in our foundation’s history.
And thanks to the Bedway family’s tireless work, dedication, and heart, the event raised an incredible $200,000 for NARS1 research.
Months of Planning. A Night of Impact
From the moment the Bedway family offered to host, they committed fully. For months, they poured their time, energy, and love into shaping an event that would both celebrate community and raise vital funds for a disorder that has deeply touched their lives.
Their vision came alive in Eastern Market’s iconic space, transformed with soft purple hues, balloons, and beautiful branding that wrapped the entire venue in the spirit of RBF.
Local suppliers donated exceptional food, desserts, ice cream, and sweet treats, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the night feel like a true celebration of community at its absolute best.
An Evening Filled With Laughter, Love, and Purpose
The room buzzed from the very start.
Guests bid enthusiastically on everything from signed football shirts and sports memorabilia to stunning jewellery. The silent auction was just as electric, bids coming in rapidly for personal chef experiences, holiday getaways, and coveted football tickets.
But some of the evening’s most meaningful moments came when the Bedway family took to the stage. They shared their story, their journey living with NARS1 Disorder, and why supporting research matters so deeply. Their words grounded the night in purpose and reminded everyone in the room exactly why we were there.
Later, Teri and Rachel stepped up to offer heartfelt thanks, reflecting on how far the foundation has come in just a few short years. They spoke about collaboration, community, and the extraordinary momentum that happens when families, friends, and supporters come together with a shared mission.
And then, because a Rory Belle Foundation event is never complete without joy, the music started. The dance floor filled almost instantly, and it stayed that way for the rest of the night.
Throughout the space, posters of NARS1 kids lined the walls. Each one shared a lived experience, a story, a family. These powerful visuals brought home the reality of the disorder and the importance of funding research that brings hope for the future.
$200,000 Raised for our 2026 Research Program
The generosity shown on the night will directly fund our 2026 research program, for which researchers will submit proposals at the end of this year. This is exactly what drives our mission at The Rory Belle Foundation -
To accelerate and fund essential research, ensure families have access to exceptional care, and strengthen the community that supports them along the way.
Every dollar raised helps us continue the work at the heart of our three pillars:
Care for families living with NARS1 Disorder,
Champion awareness and connection across our community, and
Change the future through scientific progress.
Because of this event, we can move forward with more momentum, more understanding, and more hope for families affected by NARS1 worldwide.
A Huge Thank You
We can’t end this post without saying a huge thank you to Andrea, Teri, Christine, Linda, Amy and Mary - your dedication, your courage in sharing your story, and your commitment to creating change have moved us deeply.
This event was powerful because of you.
Your effort, your heart, and your belief in this mission made the night what it was.
And, finally a massive thank you to everyone who attended, donated and made the event one hell of a night!
Want to Fundraise for The Rory Belle Foundation in 2026?
If this event has inspired you, we would love to walk alongside you as you bring your own fundraising idea to life. It doesn’t have to be a big gala or a large-scale event, it could be a run, a small gathering with friends, a workplace challenge, or something completely your own. Whatever shape it takes, we’re here to support you.
Every contribution matters.
Whether you raise $100 or $200,000, it all moves us forward. Every act of generosity helps drive research, strengthens our community, and creates meaningful change for families living with NARS1 Disorder.
If you’d like to explore an idea or start planning a fundraiser for 2026, please get in touch. We’d love to help you make it happen.