The Women Helping Others of North Webster will host its WHO Matters Decades and Divas Party Saturday.
The event, from 6 until 10 p.m. at the Springhill Civic Center, is to raise money for Josh Branton, a quadriplegic from Sarepta. The money raised will go towards the purchase of a new wheelchair accessible van that “will allow him the freedom to travel as necessary in comfort and without worry.”
At age 15, Branton was seriously injured in a swimming accident during a church trip to Panama City, Florida. He is now 33 years old, is a lifelong resident of Sarepta and is now a receptionist at SPARK Life Services.
Branton has been without transportation for about a year, the women of WHO said. He relies on others to get him back and forth to work as well as doctors’ appointments. Friends and family have been supportive in helping him get groceries, medicine and other essential things he needs to live a normal and productive life.
The women of WHO say he enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the movies, concerts, outdoor events and sometimes just going for a ride.
Casey Warford, one of the coordinators of the event, said they chose Branton this year because he is a member of the community in need.
“We’re all here to give back and to help others, and we know this is a need he has and we want to help fulfill it,” she said.
“With just the little bit that I’ve been around him, I’m amazed. I just cannot imagine having that attitude and outlook on life with the situation he’s in.”
Those who attend the Decades and Divas party are asked to wear attire from a decade of their choosing. Prizes will be given for the best costume during a costume contest.
Activities will include a catered meal, Bingo, a silent auction, vendor booths and music and dancing.
A raffle will be held for about 10 items. To be raffled off are a pearl necklace; Chris Stapleton concert tickets at the Centurylink Center in Bossier on Oct. 21; a limousine ride to the show and a $100 visa gift card; diamond earrings and Ambre perfume; Apple Watch (Series 2); fire pit; a night stay at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel and a $150 gift certificate to Jack Binion Steakhouse; a three-night stay in a luxury condo in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach; an outdoor couch; a picnic table; and a custom-built TV stand.
Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Once tickets are purchased, drop them into the bucket of the item you want to win. Ticket holders must be present to win.
WHO began three years ago when Warford and other women came together to start a service club in north Webster Parish. To date, they have 23members. WHO is a 501c3, nonprofit group, and they have held events such as Boots and Bling, and serve in the nursing homes and hospital in the Springhill area. They’ve also done fundraisers for others in need as well.
For more information, contact Jennifer Rader at 318-578-2359, Donna Lewis at 318-294-6296, Michelle Andrews at 464-9005 or Stacey
Martin at 318-423-0513.