Local merchants and residents came together Sunday to honor the memory of a 2-year-old boy, along with his older brother and his parents.
Owners of Fayz at the Lake in Manning hosted a fundraiser Sunday afternoon for the family of Easton Oliver Branham, who died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, at a Florence hospital after falling in a swimming pool at his grandparents’ home July 31. He was survived by his parents, Jeffrey and Heather Atkinson Branham, and his 8-year-old brother, Holden.
Restaurant staff, along with family, friends and local musicians and businesses joined local first responders to offer their time and resources to the family during their time of mourning. Though temperatures and the humidity remained high Sunday afternoon, laughter permeated both outside and inside dining areas at Fayz.
Donny and Dana Stanton said they wanted to do something to help the Branham family, and felt they were in a position to do so by hosting the event.
“The median income in this area is $500 to $700 per week, and we’re hoping to raise $10,000 for the family, and we will do it one way or another,” said Donny Stanton. “After losing my parents, the funeral cost was OK, but it was the internal conflict that took a toll.”
Stanton said he wasn’t able to mourn the loss of his parents as he had to go back to work almost immediately to pay for bills left by their passing. He doesn’t want the Branham family to have the same hurt.
“This tragedy has just touched so many hearts, and we feel that we can help them out during this time of need,” Stanton said.
As word of Sunday’s function spread last week, monetary donations rolled in from businesses, friends and residents from throughout Clarendon County, along with neighboring communities. After posting the function on Facebook and manninglive.com, the Stantons reached more than 2,000 people within 24 hours. Donny said that, all day Saturday, folks dropped of checks and cash, along with volunteering their time for Sunday’s event.
Family friend Kacie Renn Barnes said on Facebook that there was an outpouring of prayers and support for the family. Many on Facebook knew of Easton through his mother’s frequent posts of his various adventures, which included trips to the dirt bike track.
“This little boy is such a brightness to everyone around him, and anyone that’s ever met him can tell you the same,” she said.
During Sunday’s event, Fayz sold hamburgers and hot dog baskets, picnic style, on their patio. The business was otherwise closed to the public. Other businesses were on hand to make donations of gift certificates and items for a drawing, while tables were set up for yard and bake sales.
Most businesses who came out with donations wished to remain anonymous. They all said they did it for the family, not for the recognition. Special Blend donated their time as the band for the event.
Stanton said the goal is for the fundraising to provide the family that aforementioned median income weekly for the next two months.
“This money donated can help carry them through this difficult time and help with their expenses,” Stanton said.
It will also help the family ease into another upcoming transition – the birth of their third child in late September or early October.
Ultimately, the Stantons are hopeful that they and others could all bring just a little comfort to a family who continue to mourn the loss of their beloved baby boy.
Friends will also hold another fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Pineville MX Park, 1812 S.C. 45 in Pineville. There will be food, racing, a corn hole tournament, a buddy race and a pit bike race. Entry will be by cash only.
Donations are also being taken for the family at Prosser’s Tax Service, 529 S. Mill St. in Manning, via check, money order, prepaid VISA or cash.
“Anything will help this family: Nothing is too small,” said Barnes. “We are grateful for any help.”
