GREEN COVE SPRINGS – All everyone saw during last Saturday’s fundraiser at The Corner Pocket was her sparkling eyes, enthusiasm for joy and carefree smile. Even tiny Dani-Lynn Early seemed removed from her critical heart issues that, for now, aren’t treatable.

Music lovers and fans of the girl that united a community came together for a daylong celebration with hopes of lifting her spirits and helping the family pay their bills.

Collecting $7,000 made the fundraiser a success – and that number will grow when the auction for a specialty guitar created by Duval County Line’s Paul Wane, Curt Towne and artist Lyneke Rae concludes on May 5 – Dani-Lynn’s 8th birthday. Bids are being accepted at Towne’s Guitar Station at 421 Walnut St. in Green Cove Springs. A link also will be created at The Corner Pocket’s Facebook page.

“We had an incredible time,” Wane said. “It was so incredible seeing ‘Nugget’ having a good time. This is why we do things like this. This is what it’s all about.”

Dani-Lynn joined Wane, Curt Towne, bassist G.T. Thompson, Doc Moccasin and members of Remedy during an afternoon jam session. During one song, Wane sang about everyone getting together next year – with Dani-Lynn – for another day of songs, music and auctions.

“We treated her like the rock star she is,” Towne said. “She got up and played guitar, and that was really cool. Everybody poured their heart out.”

Dani-Lynn was born with HLHS, VSD and PAPVR. Essentially, that means she’s missing a portion of her heart. Moreover, she’s not considered a good candidate for a transplant. She also had poor lung function.

“It’s not easy. There are good days and bad days,” her mother, Amelia Early, said.

Dani-Lynn has already been through two heart surgeries, but she had the energy to play her guitar, shoot a game of pool and join the party.

“It makes me feel good,” she said.

Green Cove Springs Police Department officers Terry Arnold and Ronnie Gann, GCSPD Chief Jon Guzman and Clay County District School’s Police Department Chief Kenneth Wagner also donated their time to ensure everything proceeded smoothly and safely.

Johnny Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant donated many of the items auctioned. The brothers have embraced Dani-Lynn’s story.

“Hopefully, this will help the family out in a small way,” Towne said. “The important thing was everybody got together and donated their time and showed Dani-Lynn how much we care.”