Benefit planned to raise funds for Oran youngster

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- A benefit is scheduled for Jan. 22 to assist 2-year-old Graycen Beardslee of Oran, Mo. She was diagnosed earlier this year with xeroderma pigmentosum, an incurable and extremely rare genetic skin disorder that makes exposure to sunlight life-threatening. The benefit will be held at St. Lawrence Parish Center in New Hamburg and will feature a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. and a Miss Drama Queen Contest at 7 p.m. A food court will be available. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2.50 for children. Those interested in donating items for the auction can call (573) 794-2357 or (573) 887-6045. An account has also been set up for Graycen at Union Planters Bank in Oran for those interested in donating money to the family.