BUTLER TWP — The only downside to the Aiden Bartley fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 18, was where to put everybody, as the community turned out en masse to help the 9-year-old pancreatic cancer patient.

The fundraiser at Highfield Hall from noon to 4 p.m. offered a spaghetti dinner, face painting, a balloon artist, 50/50 raffle, bake sale, shirt and bracelet sales, and 155 raffle baskets.

And it was all donated by people who want to support a young family experiencing a tough time.

People squeezed past one another to access the various features of the Bartley family’s first public fundraiser, smiling all the while.

“This is incredible,” said Megan Bartley, Aiden’s mother. “Everyone has just gone out of their way to make sure we feel supported and so does Aiden.”

Bartley said among the higher-end raffle baskets were an overnight stay at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, an autographed photo of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, a grill and golf bags.

Bartley said Aiden, whose very rare diagnosis is adult pancreatic cancer, is doing OK as he receives chemotherapy every other week at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

On treatment weeks, Aiden is left feeling nauseated and fatigued after he receives the chemo drugs.

“We have been trying to get him out a little bit because he was suffering from some depression,” Bartley said.

When his father, Michael Bartley, took him to play games at Dave and Busters in Pittsburgh, the manager went all out to show Aiden a good time once he heard about his health challenges.

“I think he gave him 10,000 tickets,” Megan Bartley said.

She remained astonished at the turnout on Saturday for her son.

“I think a lot of it is the connections we have in the community, but on the flip side, it’s a 9-year-old boy,” Bartley said.

She said the family was approved for a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in Florida, which will occur next month.

Proceeds from the spaghetti dinner fundraiser Saturday will financially support the Bartley family as they help their son through the tough journey he is facing.

Heidi and Sadler Priest and their three young daughters attended the fundraiser Saturday. They are the Bartleys’ landlords.

“When we found out about Aiden, we wanted to help them out in any way we could,” Heidi Priest said.

She was overwhelmed, but not surprised, at the turnout as she watched those in attendance mill about Highfield Hall.

“The people of Butler have huge hearts, especially when it comes to kids or people in need,” she said. “It’s nice to see and be a part of.”

Two bikers from the Saxonburg chapter of Remnant Sons arrived at the fundraiser clad in their leathers, having ridden their Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycles to the event despite temperatures hovering around 40 degrees.

The chapter donated $100 to Aiden’s cause.

“It’s what God told me to do,” said Rob Losser, whose road name is “Throttle.”

His fellow chapter member, Merle Hildebrand, said Remnant Sons tries to be visible in the community.

“We try to support all the children in need,” said Hildebrand, whose road name is “Big Moe.”

Roni Anderson, of Butler Township, grew up with the Bartley family, and donated a raffle basket, as did two other family members.

“You gotta support the neighborhood,” she said. “It’s a good cause.”

Her friend, Kris Hays, also of Butler Township, was overcome with emotion as she observed the hundreds of people at the fundraiser.

“It’s an outpouring to come forward and help this little guy in dealing with such an adult issue,” Hays said. “It’s all about paying it forward and helping out the community.”

Erik Werner, of Butler Township, Aiden’s great-uncle, enjoyed a plate of pasta with several other family members.

Werner gazed across the crowded hall in awe at the turnout for Aiden.

“The people of Butler County are very giving,” he said. “Butler really has a way of turning out, and the people here are very supportive of these kinds of things.”

He said other fundraisers for various causes also were happening on Saturday, so the family hoped for a decent turnout.

“It’s really a blessing they had a turnout like this,” Werner said. “And they had good weather, too.”

His grandson, Carter Phillips, of Clarion, is Aiden’s cousin.

“I came out to support Aiden while he battles cancer,” Carter said.

He described Aiden as a creative and funny person.

Although he is young, Carter had a full understanding of the generosity on display on Saturday at Highfield Hall.

“They are nice people who care about others,” he said of those who turned out to support Aiden.

More information on Aiden and his story is available by searching for “Aiden’s journey” on Facebook.