Tree planted in memory of 7-year-old boy during day of service
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IDAHO FALLS — A local real estate company gave to a grieving family as part of an annual service initiative called RED Day.
Keller Williams Realty East Idaho planted a tree in front of A.H. Bush Elementary School in memory of first-grader Brayden Berry. Brayden died in March due to a sudden illness. He was 7 years old.
“We have our good moments and our bad moments. We’re having more good moments than bad, but it’s hard,” mother Jennifer Berry said.
“He was our little Prince Charming — helpful, did everything he was asked. Always smiled. That’s probably what everybody misses the most: his smile,” Berry said.
The tree-planting ceremony was one of many projects done at Bush Elementary on Thursday. The real estate agents have painted goal posts, cleaned windows and made a sand pit for the schools track and field practice.
Third-grade teacher Dan Thomas said he felt honored to have the organization serving the school.
“It’s pretty cool. It’s really neat to see them coming because it kind of gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside,” Thomas said.
He said holding the service for the Berry family was something special for the children at Bush Elementary as well.
“Doing that service for that family is an opportunity for the kids to realize that we’re not going to forget (Brayden),” Thomas said.
Jessica Cardon, team leader for Keller Williams, said the organization has done five major service projects across east Idaho for RED Day. RED stands for Renew, Energize and Donate.
“It was fun. It was a good day. Keller Williams (International) does this all around the world on this day, so 134,000 agents give back on this day, every year on the second Thursday of May,” Cardon said. “The idea is to give back and give back to the community.”
Agents at Keller Williams went around the community and gathered donations for the Berry family. A check for $1,000 was presented at the tree planting.
“It’s extremely special. More than I expected anybody to do really,” Berry said.