Customers surprise server with $27,000 after her husband’s death

CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) – A group of regular customers surprised a longtime server at an Ohio restaurant with $27,000 Sunday night after they learned her husband had recently died.

Tammy Hammonds has worked at the Skyline Chili in Clifton for 30 years.

When her regulars heard about the loss of her husband, Randy Hammonds, they organized a fundraising effort to support her.

“This has been the darkest time of my life. They’ve brought the light with them today,” Hammonds said.

Kyle Zimmerman and Sam Bruchell started raising money Monday after learning of Randy Hammonds’ death. Zimmerman said he died of kidney cancer 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 said.

Zimmerman and Bruchell started coming to the Clifton Skyline as college freshmen, sometimes visiting four times a week. They built up a relationship with Hammonds that continued even after they moved to New York and Chicago.

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

When Zimmerman learned of Hammonds’ husband’s death, he posted about her situation online. Within hours, he had raised thousands of dollars, with donations coming from as far away as Australia.

Bruchell said the community support shows how Cincinnati comes together for one of its own.

“Skyline is dear to all of our hearts in Cincinnati. It’s nostalgic and brings you back. Beyond that, it’s the people here; everyone treats each other like family. We’re lucky to be from such a special place,” Bruchell said.

Hammonds said she knew the group had made an impression on her years ago but was still surprised by their generosity.

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

She said she was at a loss for words when the group surprised her.

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

She said she hopes people will learn from the experience.

“Show love each and every day, be happy with what you’re doing. Sometimes it may not seem important. I can see how important it was,” she said.

The page to donate to Hammonds is still active.

The group continues to collect money for Hammonds and hopes to help set her up for life. They are hoping a local business will match the money they raise.