SPRINGFIELD — Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Company employees reached deep within themselves to aid a grieving local family try to fill a painful void.
The employees collected $4,050 in cash and lots of Christmas gifts after they were notified of the need by Fran Ross about three weeks ago.
Accustomed to helping people as executive director of Victim Witness, Ross explained the family’s plight during Thursday’s Sherman & Hemstreet Christmas party at 205 N. Laurel St.
“(The head of the family) was a classmate of mine,” she said. “We went to school together from the time we were in the sixth grade until we graduate. (He) was always a big boy.
“He was put in foster care in his elementary years due to severe abuse at the hands of his parents. They would tie him to trees outside and beat him.”
Ross said her friend managed to smile in public despite the abuse.
“He was hilarious and his goal was to make everybody happy,” she said. “One thing he would always say is, ‘It’s going to get better.’ “
The victim grew up to enjoy coaching youth sports, especially those involving his children.
“But (he) didn’t take care of himself,” Ross said. “He was diabetic — his diabetes was hereditary — and as time progressed his condition got a lot worse.”
Four months ago, the victim, 36, was hospitalized and had his remaining foot amputated. During this time, he contracted COVID-19 and died within a week.
“And his five children and a wife were left without a father and a husband of nineteen years,” Ross said.
Realizing their future needs, Ross turned to a reliable source for help — Sherman & Hemstreet.
“Whenever I need something done, I call (associate broker) Dee (Moncrief),” Ross said. “Everybody in this room knows when you need something done you call Dee — so I did.”
Moncrief asked her coworkers to “step up for the family” during a November sales meeting. They did in a major way.
“I don’t know if I can express the impact this is going to have Christmas morning,” Ross said as tears rolled down her face. “No amount of gifts can replace Daddy, you know, but they will be preoccupied from missing him.”
Moncrief also got emotional while recounting the story and thanking the employees for rounding up cash and gifts from about 17 donors. The effort was led by Realtor Ricky Eilerman.
“I could never have believed what y’all have done and the impact that it will make for (the family) past Christmas — which is really what we were looking for — so I am very proud ...”
“You guys have been selfless and we truly thank you,” Ross said.
