KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – When tragedy strikes, we can see the absolute best in people or the worst. When we have hit our lowest point, it will show the true colors in those around us.
The community of …
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KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – When tragedy strikes, we can see the absolute best in people or the worst. When we have hit our lowest point, it will show the true colors in those around us.
The community of Keystone Heights has shown its absolute best in the last few weeks as families have rallied around a family of boys who are going through a tragedy.
On Oct. 7, Freedom Baptist Church in Keystone Heights held a benefit concert to help the Ulsch brothers who tragically lost both of their parents in September.
On Sept. 18, Holly Marie Ulsch, 39, was driving a truck with her 38-year-old husband Phillip but known to his friends as Josh, when their 2005 Toyota Tacoma was struck by a Freightliner Tractor-Trailer driven by Alfred D. Pope, 57, of Middleburg. Both Holly and Phillip were killed, land lfet behind their 6 sons who range in age from age 13 to 8 months. No charges have been brought against Pope but Florida Highway Patrol has said that charges are pending.
Jason Stephens, pastor of Freedom Baptist Church where the family would regularly attend church services, was tasked with telling the boys about the tragedy. Soon the outpouring of support began, and Stephens decided to do something more to help the family.
Stephens and his staff had already been in contact with the Jim Brady Trio and this past spring had set up for them to come to the church on Oct. 7, but in wake of the tragedy, decided that something more needed to be done.
“We contacted Jim and just said ‘We would like to do something special for these boys, a benefit concert,” said Stephens.
Jim Brady, leader of the band, agreed and the performance was changed into a benefit concert for the boys, with donations being collected to benefit their family.
“It is a joy for us to be here,” said Brady at the concert.
“We wanted to interject some hope and some gladness and some joy into despair,” said Stephens.
The band, consisting of singers Jim Brady, his wife Melissa Brady and Nate Jones, performed for the congregation and members of the community in order to bring some joy to the boys and to show them that the community is there for them.
A GoFundMe account has been created for the boys by their aunt, Hillary Ulsch. It only took 19 days for the account to reach its $30,000 goal.
“Thank you all for the outpouring of love and support for my six nephews and all of our family. I want to update you as to the use of these funds,” said Ulsch in an update on the GoFundMe account.
Donations for the boys are still being collected. The GoFundMe account can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/josh-amp-holly-ulsch039s%20-6-sons039-fund. Donations can also be made through Freedom Baptist Church at https://www.simplechurchgiving.net/g3/