On Sept. 18, 5-year-old Tehmin Simmons raised money for United Mitochondrial disease Foundation on behalf of his neighbor and friend Katie Parsons. Tehmin sold toys, books, costumes, holiday items, housewares, puzzles, baked items and lemonade at his Marietta home.

Mitochondrial disease is a potentially life-threatening disease that primarily affects children. The mitochondria are the energy-producing component found in all cells of the human body, except for red blood cells. Failure of the mitochondria results in injury and death of the affected cells. Depending on the extent of the damage, organ failure, and eventually, the failure of entire bodily systems, can result.

Katie will be a featured speaker on Sept. 25 at "Music for Megan," a free festival at Wills Park in Alpharetta to raise awareness and funding for research. For more information, visit www.musicformegan.com.

Tehmin is the son of Katie and Travis Simmons.

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On Sept. 16, Van Michael Salon celebrated some of Cobb County's bright young ladies at 18 under Eighteen in celebration of the salon's recent suburban opening at the Avenue East Cobb. The teens were chosen for exhibiting their personal style.

Peers, friends and family nominated the teens for a day of pampering, starting with Van Michael Stylist consultations and concluding with a professional photo shoot. Honorees and guests enjoyed the 18 Under Eighteen gallery unveiling at a red-carpet affair.

18 Under Eighteen included: Sydney Biccum and Samantha Kassem of Walton High School; Macy Osman of Walton High School; Katherine Burlas and Allison Dupuis of Wheeler High School; Madison Collins of Holy Innocents Episcopal School; Chyles Dean of Pope High School; Alitha Doh and Asia Jean of Campbell High School; Hannah Hopper and Amanda McDowell of Simpson Middle School; Kelsey Mateo and Ashton Wilkes of Dominion Christian High School; Copelyn Jue and Chelsea Millar of Lassiter High School; Kayla Nichols of Hill Grove High School; Amanda Petit of Mount Paran Christian School; and Rachel Westmoreland of Kennesaw Mountain High School.

Visit www.vanmichael.com for more information.

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Blessings of Grace is holding a "HUGE YARD SALE!" on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 170 Nickajack Road in Mableton. All proceeds benefit The Blessings of Grace Foundation, founded in 2008, and dedicated to assist couples with infertility.

For more information or to make donations, please contact carlabrown@ chesleybrown. com or call (770) 944-9039.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit @bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.