Cheshire Man Inspires Birthday Boy To Give Rather Than Receive

Cheshire residents Gary Searing and his wife, Jody, pose at a March 6 party to celebrate James Bentley’s 13th birthday.

Gary, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995, works as a network engineer at Photronics along with Amy Bentley, James’ mother. Inspired by Gary’s fight against his disease, James, a resident of Kent, and his family asked party guests to bring in lieu of a present, a contribution to the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.

James’ 13th birthday celebration raised more than $600 and with a matching gift from Photronics chairman and chief executive officer Constantine Macricostas, James donated $1,387 to the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, to help support those it serves.