When word gets out that there is a sick child in the community, people spring to action.

That is exactly what happened on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Thirsty Beaver in Cranston.

When City Council President Michael Farina heard that his friend Chris Campagnone’s son, Anthony, was in Hasbro Children’s Hospital with a rare bone infection – and knowing Campagnone, a Cranston Public Schools bus driver, had been out of work since March – he stepped up to the plate and got a fundraiser and raffles coordinated in a few hours.

“It was my pleasure and honor to host and organize the fundraiser for Anthony. Chris is a great guy and better friend. I know Anthony has a long road of recovery ahead, and if we could help relieve a little bit of financial worry for his family, I was happy to help,” Farina said.

Chris, as well as Anthony’s mom Diana, were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to the Thirsty Beaver on a work and school night.

“Anthony’s mom and I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us during this difficult time. We appreciate all of the love and support. He is our whole world,” Chris said.

Anthony himself had a great night. He had a couple of his friends to hang out with. He was excited to get an autographed shirt from the Bandits coed softball team. He was especially excited getting a visit from Speaker Nicholas Mattiello. They had a nice conversation and invited Anthony to the State House.

Farina stated by the end of the night, close to $3,000 had been raised.