New Jersey showed up in a big way this June, raising more than $90,000 in a single day to fuel the science that could change the future for everyone living with Angelman syndrome.
On June 20, families from across the state gathered for the annual Charlie’s Angels Chari-Tee Golf Tournament, hosted by Jennifer and Matt Cutler in honor of their daughter, Charlie. What started as a way to bring people together has become a catalyst for real momentum in Angelman syndrome research.
How it Started, How it’s Growing
Jennifer and Matt didn’t start with a five-year plan or a committee. Their first event was about bringing people together, showing appreciation to Charlie’s care team, and creating a space to feel less alone. But each year, more people joined, support grew, and the vision for what this could become started to take shape. Now in its fifth year, the event has doubled in size since 2024 and has raised nearly $300,000 to support FAST research.
This year, the Cutlers made a small change that sparked big results. Moving the event from August to June brought a surge in attendance and fresh momentum. But what mattered most was the presence of 11 families also raising loved ones living with Angelman syndrome. That kind of connection reminded everyone why this work matters.
“That is what we need—to not just survive in this crazy life, but to thrive. We can not do this alone. Having people around us who know what the day-to-day is like... it’s cathartic.”
Science That Feels Close Enough to Touch
This year’s event took place shortly after the first patient was dosed in a Phase 3 clinical trial.
“It brings tears to my eyes to tell friends that Charlie could have a therapeutic in her body soon,” Jennifer said. “That sentence used to feel far away. Now it’s something we say out loud.”
More than $90,000 of this year’s proceeds went directly to FAST to help sustain that momentum. Support from events like this plays a vital role in accelerating the research pipeline.
Advice for Families Who Want to Help: Start Where You Are
For families who want to support FAST’s mission but aren’t sure where to begin, Jennifer offers one clear piece of advice: keep it simple.
“Start with a bake sale, a raffle, a backyard BBQ. People want to help, they just need to be asked. Invite them in. Find your people. That’s what we did and now look where we are.”
Charlie’s Angels is proof that you don’t have to wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time. Action, even when it starts small, has the power to ripple outward.