Little boy's fundraiser a big success

Friends, family, acquaintances and complete strangers came together on Friday night to support the need of one little boy, Branson Thayer.

Branson greeted his fans as they arrived at the benefit dinner held to raise money for his ongoing medical expenses.

The Life Center at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located on Sun 'n Lake Boulevard, filled with patrons from the communities of Avon Park, Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. Apart from Branson, the most notable guest was the recently crowned Miss Florida Teen, Shawnee Lester.

Lester surprised guests as she arrived unexpectedly donned with sash and crown. Applause broke out as she entered the room and made her way to greet the guest of honor. After a number of photographs were taken of Branson and Lester, she began to explain what inspired her to attend.

She noticed the flyer with Branson's picture announcing the fundraising event and was intrigued as she read about his rare brain disorder called Polymicrogyria. Since pageant winners are expected to make public appearances, Shawnee said that she quickly decided that Branson's benefit would be the venue for her debut as Miss Florida Teen.

Another notable guest was Lake Placid Mayor Tom Katsanis. Katsanis, a personal friend of the Thayers, joined the faction from Lake Placid that came to show their support for Branson and his parents, Reid and Jessica.

Pastor Ray Cameron and the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, Reid's family church, brought a busload of people who gave generously to the cause.

"Friends of the Thayers," who planned and executed the event, are mostly members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where Arthur, Rhoda, Reid, Jessica and Branson are active members.

Approximately 475 spaghetti dinners were served at the event. Although the event was planned to be "a blessing for Branson," it also served as a blessing for New Testament Mission, which received approximately 75 excess spaghetti dinners.