81-yr-old waitress reveals she can’t afford to retire—in just a week, strangers surprise her with over $325,000

Many older people are privileged to retire in due time. Having earned and saved well, they have a pre-planned life post-retirement. Unfortunately, for some, this doesn’t come as easily. Many people, who are past their retirement age, are forced to work despite their health issues catching up. An 81-year-old waitress, Betty, was suffering a similar plight, per The Independent. Despite her age, she was working at a restaurant when a mom, Tamie Konzier (@tamie.lynn), came across her. The woman shared the waitress' story and strangers generously showered her with love and support. 

Konzier was at the restaurant when she spotted Betty waiting tables. She noticed the woman was advanced in years and couldn't even walk properly. The mom overheard her tell another table her reason behind still working. She mentioned that her social security gets her only $910 per month and she couldn't afford to manage bills in that amount. Konzier was moved to hear about her helplessness and wanted to help. The woman offered her a $40 tip as it was all she had in her purse at the time. Moreover, she also engaged in a conversation with the waitress where she learned that she had been working all her life. The exchange moved the mom to tears and she was determined to help. 

Initially, she decided that all proceeds from her video would go towards helping Betty retire. However, strangers had something ever more generous in store. Taking suggestions from other users, Konzier set up a GoFundMe to help Betty comfortably retire. She hoped to get at least $25,000 for the waitress. The strangers went all out in sending best wishes and donations and in a week, the amount soon reached $327,148 (at the time of writing this article). Many people even shared words of encouragement for Betty. Brooke Henry said, “I hope this woman gets to live the rest of her life peacefully and full of love and ease.” Carmen Lapman added, “Betty! Life does go so fast! Please do fun stuff!”

The mom was delighted that she made such a transformation in Betty's life together with the community, per WTAE. "I'm so happy for her. I just think it's great that people have compassion for her and it's reached so many people and so many have donated. I feel great for her." Many people even commented on Konzier’s post. @uglyweldsllc said, “Humanity just banded together and helped retire this old lady.” @hollybrooke92 remarked, “This is so incredibly thoughtful.” In a follow-up video, the mom revealed that there had been donations coming in through Venmo and a few other sources as well.

She also revealed to the waitress the generous amount made for her retirement. Konzier respected the 81-year-old’s wish not to be filmed but conveyed the best wishes from strangers all over the world. @buramog said, “We need more people like you in the world.” @rachelobade added, “What a beautiful thing to do.” @cmo21 remarked, “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. You restored my faith in humanity. She sounds so deserving.”

You can follow Tammie Konzier (@tamie.lynn) on TikTok for more content on humanity and lifestyle.