Community members attended a fundraiser to support Jacob Harper on Saturday.

Jacob will undergo the first portion of brain surgery to control his seizures on July 18. The fundraiser was held to help with medical costs related to the surgery and the cost of Jacob and his mother Melissa Harper living in Atlanta for a month after the procedure to allow his doctors to monitor his recovery.

Sheriff’s candidate Rick Gossett was at the event. He helped to raise funds by spending time in a dunking booth.

Gossett said someone involved called to let him know about the event, and he immediately decided to help.

He said Jacob has a good arm, and was glad the children at the event seemed to have a good time.

“We had the best job in town — it was cool,” Gossett said.

Jeanie Cronin, Jacob’s grandmother, said the turnout for the event had been well. She said the support of the community in Effingham was “unbelievable” and the family appreciated it.

“We ask for people to keep him and his mom and dad in their prayers,” Cronin said.