In a powerful display of community compassion, regular patrons at an Ohio restaurant have rallied to support a longtime server following the sudden death of her husband. The heartwarming initiative has raised thousands of dollars, offering financial relief and emotional solace during a period of profound grief.
A Tragic Loss and a Swift Response
Tammy Hammonds, a dedicated server at the Skyline Chili in Clifton for three decades, faced an unimaginable tragedy when her husband, Randy Hammonds, passed away. According to reports, he died from kidney cancer in December 2025, just one month after his diagnosis. Randy was a wounded war veteran who had worked handling hazardous waste for the U.S. government, a role that had been the family's primary financial support.
The news reached two of Tammy's loyal customers, Kyle Zimmerman and Sam Bruchell, who had been dining at the restaurant since their college days. Moved by her loss, they swiftly organized a fundraising effort to help ease her burden.
An Outpouring of Generosity from Coast to Coast
Zimmerman and Bruchell launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $20,000. The response was immediate and far-reaching. Within hours, the fundraiser garnered thousands of dollars in donations, with contributions coming from as far away as Australia. The campaign page described Tammy as a "beloved waitress" known for her kindness and warmth, emphasizing the desire to help her focus on grieving and healing without immediate financial stress.
By Thursday, December 25, 2025, the fundraiser had successfully collected nearly $17,000. The organizers assured donors that every dollar would go directly to Tammy to cover immediate expenses and support her family during this heartbreaking time.
A Testament to Lasting Connections
For Zimmerman and Bruchell, their actions were a natural reflection of the connection built over years. Even after moving away from the area, they continued to visit the restaurant, where Tammy always greeted them with the same familiar warmth. "That’s a testament to who she is," Zimmerman told local media.
Tammy Hammonds, overwhelmed by the gesture, expressed her disbelief and gratitude. "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 said. She referred to Zimmerman as her "little angel" who, this time, "brought a whole army of angels" with him.
"Just to show the love they have for me is enough. But to do what they’ve done with me is incredible," Tammy stated, adding that the support had brought light during the darkest time of her life. This story transcends a simple act of charity; it highlights the profound bonds that can form in everyday places and the incredible power of a community choosing to care for one of its own.
