PHP: How do I write var_dump to customize the data format on output? [on hold]

How would I use the PHP function vardump to customize the output as follows:

    $statement = $conn->prepare("SELECT * FROM  `layout`
                        WHERE  `branch` =  :branch
                        ");
    $statement->execute(array(':branch' => $branch));
    $row = $statement->fetch();

$id=$row['id'];
$name=$row['name'];
echo "
    <a href='?main=nonprofit&amp;sub=outline&amp;item=$id'>
        $name
    </a>
";

The goal is to build an outline building tool that can go to X levels.

I do have a $row['branch'] that needs to connect to a $row['id'] to find out/place where it needs to go.

Essentially it will be an "outline builder".