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together. “We’re family, not just friends,” says
Brett. “We look out for each other and make
sure everyone is taken care of.” Like family,
their children are growing up together. In fact,
the group saw the births of seven babies, all
boys, in 2018. The boys attended daycare
together and now two of the dads coach them
in t-ball. Ranging in ages from 9 years to 18
months, the children call the adults in the
group “Aunt” and “Uncle.” Regan, dubbed
the “fun uncle,” is affectionately called Uncle
Boog, a nickname his nieces gave him.
Every year during the early part of
Thanksgiving week, the group celebrates
“Friendsgiving”, which Brett and Charleigh
host. “It’s probably my favorite gathering that
we have all year,” says Aaron. “Everyone brings
traditional Thanksgiving food - we all have our
specialty - and it’s a really good time. I always
find myself reflecting on how thankful I am
for this group of friends.”
With the majority of the crew being natives
of Brandon, it’s not surprising that community
involvement is a way of life for the families.
They have participated together in the Krewe
de Roux festival held in Brandon, entering a
float in the parade and being named a fan
favorite in the gumbo cookoff.
The fact that so many members of the
supper club wanted to raise their families in
Brandon is a testament to the community.
“No one had to beg us to come back here after
college; we wanted to come,” says Aaron. “We
wanted to grow together.” Those who married
into the Brandon group, like Charleigh, also
attest to the welcome they felt from the
community. “They welcomed me with open
arms, and I felt like part of the family from
the beginning,” she says.
It is truly a blessing to be able to grow up
and grow old with dear friends, and these two
supper clubs prove that sharing meals together
can be just the beginning.
Hometown RANKIN • 17