A restaurant patron has raised more than $300,000 to help an 81-year-old server retire.
Tamie Konzier, 41, and her son Leo, 10, were saddened to see an elderly server, Betty, still having to work at their local Eat N Park diner, in Pittsburgh.
So, the pair began shooting video for TikTok to explain her situation – and their videos went viral, bringing social media together to help raise the astonishing sum.
In the video, Tamie said she felt sorry for Betty, who she initially thought was in her 70s, for still having to work and be on her feet all day at such a tender age.
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Tamie had planned to leave a tip, but with her camera still rolling, she also asked Betty about her situation.
The server explained that she was 81 years old and that her money from social security was not enough to live on.
Having shared the video on TikTok, Tamie expected the post to gain maybe $100 that she could pass on to Betty – but it soon went viral, with people asking how they could help.
Tamie created a GoFundMe in the hope of initially raising $25,000 for Betty, and that milestone was soon passed.
In subsequent videos, Tamie kept Betty posted about the generosity of others, and by mid-April, the fund had raised more than $330,000 to help Betty retire.
Tamie said: “Betty was our waitress, and I noticed her limping and felt empathy for her having to work still, thinking she was in her 70s.
“I then overheard her talking to her regular customers about why she was still working and I learned her social security was not enough to cover her bills.
“At that point, I really felt empty towards her.
“Both her limping and the fact that her social security was not enough to live on prompted me to make the TikTok.
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“Honestly, I was overwhelmed when it took off; I never thought it would go that viral.
“I was obviously very excited as well.
“TikTok users were begging me in the comments to start a GoFundMe, something I have never done before.
“I keep saying wild and unbelievable as the fund grows and the media gets hold of the story.
“I truly thought I would get maybe 100 dollars from the TikTok creator rewards program and give her a big tip the next time I dined there.
“Betty is very thankful and I think a little overwhelmed with the generosity – she can’t believe it either.”
