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Carnival raises money to fight syndrome

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A local organization of mothers in Newport Coast raised more than $10,000 at a holiday carnival Sunday to help fight a genetic syndrome often associated with autism.

The MOMS Club of Newport Coast, part of an international moms support network, hosted free activities for families in addition to running a silent auction and bake sale, according to a news release.

Funds will be given to the Florida-based Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on research and awareness of the condition as well as family support, according to its website.

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This cause resonated strongly with the group, which holds a holiday charity event annually, because the 7-year-old daughter of one of the moms has been diagnosed with the syndrome.

“This year, it was very personal for us,” said chapter co-President Heather Ignatin. “We wanted as many people as possible from the community to come and enjoy this event and help support the charity.”

About 350 people attended the carnival, held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Newport Coast Community Center, Igantin said.

Children had their faces painted by a well-known face-paint artist and jumped in a bounce house that measured 30 by 30 feet. Activities included cookie decorating, and game booths also provided entertainment.

At the silent auction, attendees bid on a spa and lunch package at the Resort at Pelican Hill, a chef-crafted dinner with wine at Tamerind of London, and a teeth whitening from a local dentist.

“It was just a great event with a lot of people who worked really hard to have a great turnout,” Ignatin said.

The group has about 50 active members.

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