On Saturday, approximately 600 people from across Monroe County came together to support Carly Teague, a 2-year-old Tellico Plains toddler who has Rett’s Syndrome, a rare form of autism only found in girls.

The Carly's Climb 2 Reverse Rett Benefit, held at Tellico Plains High School, raised $18,000 for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation to help fund research. The event featured live music, children's activities, a live and silent auction, food and more.

"It exceeded my expectations. I was blown away with the love and support we received from the community," said Carly's mom Sally Teague. "I was telling some of the other Rett moms that are not from around here and they wanted everyone to know how thankful they were also. Our Carly's Cheerleaders worked so hard and I'm so very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with them. I just can't thank everyone enough for coming out to help my little girl get a cure for Rett Syndrome." 

See more photos from the benefit in the Wednesday, Jan. 30, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.