Westborough – After an afternoon blaze destroyed his apartment May 4, friends and other members of the community are rallying around Westborough resident Gerry Gross.
Those who know Gross, of which there are many, know him as an active and dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Westborough, volunteering for many of the group’s charitable endeavors.
Gross is also an independent beekeeper. (To learn more visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com/2018/11/02/local-beekeeper-brings-nectah-to-westborough).
Gross’s 13 Summer St. apartment was consumed in a two-alarm fire that also damaged another apartment, according to the Westborough Fire Department, who are investigating. Mutual aid was provided from other area fire departments.
According to a Go Fund Me page set up by his friends, Gross lost all of his possessions from smoke and water damage. But in a bit of very good news, his bee hives survived the fire.
So devoted is Gross to the mission of the Rotarians, he still volunteered his time for the Spring Festival the group sponsored at the Bay State Commons on Sunday.
“Gerry is one of the most compassionate, generous and caring people that we know, and he needs our help,” the Go Fund Me page states. “We’re asking all Westborough Rotarians, friends and community members to help with a donation for Gerry.”
In just under seven hours, over $7,000 had been raised, according to Rotarian Elliot Rittenberg.
“The community has been amazing,” Rittenberg said. “A testament to Gerry and our community.”
photos except where noted /courtesy Margy Peairs
