Fundraiser Set to Honor Gateway Student Who Died While Camping in 2008

A fundraiser to honor a Gateway High School student who died two weeks before his 16th birthday in 2008 will be held May 22 in nearby Pitcairn, offering those in Plum and Oakmont a chance for a day of fun, too.

While attending Pitcairn "Camp B," a weeklong camping experience for boys ages 7 to 16, Brandon Kuster was taking part in a relay race from the beach to the water at Laurel State Park in Somerset County.  He tripped and hit his head, and was taken by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital where he died one day later. He was an organ donor.

Here are some details about this year's picnic and walk fundraiser:

• A two-mile walk begins at 11 a.m. at the Pitcairn Park Building, 577 Broadway, and ends at Sugar Camp. A shuttle bus will return walkers who need transportation back to the Park Building. Cost is $8 for those who preregister and $10 for those who register Sunday. 
• A picnic will be held at Sugar Camp at noon. Cost is $20 for those 21 and older, $15 for those 21 and younger and free for those 6 and under. A light lunch will be served at the start and full dinner from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, Chinese auction, 50/50 and door prizes.

The Brandon P. Kuster Memorial Foundation was founded in 2010 by the family and close friends of Brandon. The foundation awards an annual scholarship to a senior student at Gateway High School who best personifies the athletic, academic and leadership qualities that Brandon exhibited. The group also supports projects to improve the quality of life for youths in the Monroeville/Pitcairn area.

For more information about the event or foundation, visit http://bpkfoundation.com.