CRESTVIEW — Savannah Barefield was excited to see the number of people inside the McDonald's restaurant Monday on North Ferdon Boulevard — especially since they were there to support her 12-year-old brother, Drew.
“This is so humbling, to see all of these people supporting him,” she said. “My family feels so blessed.”
Savannah was one of several Emmanuel Baptist Church youths volunteering Monday night at the fast food restaurant. Many wore shirts and arm bracelets supporting Drew, who was critically injured from a June boating incident.
Youth members even held homemade signs calling it ‘McDrew Night.’
PHOTOS: See 13 photos from the 'McDrew Night' >>
Costa Enterprises, which manages all three McDonald’s locations in Crestview, agreed to give 20 percent of all proceeds to Drew and family from sales made between 4 and 8 p.m. Monday at the North Ferdon location.
Youth members, helping regular staffers, greeted customers, delivered meals and cleaned tables. Face-painting and fundraising T-shirt sales were available to customers.
To cater to more customers, the church set more tables and seating in front of the restaurant.
Dennis Ealy, area supervisor for Costa, said many thanked him for allowing the fundraiser to happen.
“It’s really not needed, because this is something that we really want to do,” he said.
Joining Savannah were Drew’s 14-year-old cousin, Micah Brannon, and her sister, Moriah.
“It’s phenomenal seeing all of the support behind the family,” Micah said. “Just seeing all of the people wearing the T-shirts supporting Drew (and) nobody told them to; it’s just great.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Family: Community's support on 'McDrew' night 'phenomenal' (PHOTOS)