Hanson fundraiser nets more than $13,500

A local family was in need of a boost following one resident being involved in an accident in Madison County earlier this month – and the community delivered in a big way.

A fundraiser that included a dinner, silent auction, raffle and live music raised more than $13,500 on Saturday in Morristown. The money raised will go toward Brandon Hanson and his family after he was in a fatal car accident at a construction site on Aug. 4.

Rows of items up for auction were lined up inside the Morristown Jr/Sr. High cafeteria Saturday evening and Morristown residents took turns looking at what they wanted to bid on. The event raised $13,542.

The items available ranged from four complimentary admission tickets to Conner Prairie, donated by Conner Prairie, to a 50-inch LED Full HDTV donated by First Merchant’s Bank that was valued at more than $400.

Scott Spahr, one of the organizers of the event, previously said they were preparing as many as 400 people to attend.

The family expressed through a Facebook post on Morristown Matters their appreciation over the weekend.

“Words can’t fully describe how our family (Hanson Thompson) feels right now,” Lesli Manship wrote. “This community has moved us to tears. The fundraising dinner and auction (Saturday) night was something we all will remember forever.”

She went on to thank those who were involved with the dinner and auction, including those who organized it, made a donation, volunteered and attended the dinner.

There is also a GoFundMe page set up in Hanson’s name. As of Monday afternoon, the page had raised $5,590 of a $10,000 goal in 22 days.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/brandon-hanson.

Hanson was injured in an accident when he and another worker, David Kirk, were struck by a driver while working at a construction site. Kirk, of Gwynneville, died. Hanson is recovering from pelvic and leg injuries.