Customers raise thousands for 'beloved' server whose husband died suddenly

A group of customers at an Ohio restaurant showed their love for a longtime server after overhearing that her husband had suddenly died.

Tammy Hammonds, who has worked at Skyline Chili in Clifton for 30 years, was shocked when some of her regulars teamed up to raise funds for their favourite waitress after her tragic loss.

Kyle Zimmerman and Sam Bruchell told WXIX that they began raising money after learning Randy Hammonds died of kidney cancer only one month after his diagnosis.

“Tammy’s husband was a wounded war veteran and handled hazard waste on behalf of the U.S. government. That’s what bolstered the family financially,” Zimmerman told the outlet.

He and Bruchell had been dining at the Clifton Skyline since they were freshmen in college, going in as often as four times a week.

Even though they both have moved from the area, they still visited the restaurant when they could — and Hammonds greets them like all the times before.

“That’s a testament to who she is,” Zimmerman said.

Making things easier for Tammy

Within hours of posting about Hammonds’ situation online, Zimmerman raised thousands of dollars, with donations coming from as far away as Australia.

“Tammy, a beloved waitress at Clifton Skyline, is going through an incredibly difficult time after the sudden passing of her husband,” the GoFundMe page read.

“Anyone who knows Tammy knows her kindness, warmth, and the way she takes care of everyone who walks through the door.”

They explained that they wanted to “help ease the financial burden during this heartbreaking period so Tammy can focus on grieving, healing, and taking care of herself.”

The compassionate group noted that “every donation will go directly toward helping with immediate expenses and supporting her family.”

They added: “Thank you for showing Tammy the same love and generosity she has shown so many over the years.”

Nearly $17,000 of its $20,000 goal has been raised as of Thursday.

Tammy in disbelief by the generosity

Hammonds told the outlet that she didn’t expect anything from the regulars.

“I knew the impact it was having on me by being a part of their lives and watching them grow. I would’ve never thought they would love me this much,” she told the outlet.

“Just to show the love they have for me is enough. But to do what they’ve done with me is incredible.”

Hammonds admitted she “always thought Kyle was my little angel. This time, he brought a whole army of angels with him.”

The grateful server added: “This has been the darkest time of my life. They’ve brought the light with them today.”

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