81-year-old server said she couldn’t afford to retire until a stranger stepped in and changed everything

An elderly waitress in her eighties told a customer she couldn’t afford to retire, and the emotional moment didn’t go unnoticed.

Tamie Konzier, who overheard the conversation while dining with her son, shared the story on TikTok. After seeing the strong response, she launched a GoFundMe campaign.

“I just had my heartstrings pulled,” Tamie tells PEOPLE. “I could tell she was older and having to limp a little bit. Then I heard her tell the table behind me — her regular customers — that she couldn’t retire yet because her Social Security benefits weren’t enough.”

Betty, the elderly waitress, shared that her Social Security check of just over $900 a month wasn’t enough to cover her bills.

Moved by her story, Tamie left a $40 tip and posted a TikTok video asking for help.

Tamie initially hoped the video would go viral so she could give Betty a larger tip using TikTok’s Creator Rewards.

However, the video quickly gained millions of views, resonating with viewers worldwide.

After viewers had shared Betty’s story online, they encouraged Tamie to launch a GoFundMe campaign.

At first, she expected to raise only a small amount, but the outpouring of support quickly grew.

Moved by the kindness of strangers, she set a $25,000 goal and watched donations skyrocket. Within a week, the fundraiser brought in over $323,000.

Additional contributions through Venmo, Cash App, and TikTok earnings increased the total, showing how deeply Betty’s story resonated with people across the country.

A week after their first meeting, Tamie Konzier reunited with Betty to share the news that would change her life.

Though Betty declined to appear on camera or speak publicly, Tamie described the moment as emotional and heartfelt.

Betty said she had been praying for a miracle and felt those prayers had been answered.

A single mother who lost her husband early on, Betty worked for decades to support her family. Despite personal hardships, she remained kind and giving to others.

Tamie, touched by Betty’s story and the support from the community, said it’s clear she deserves every bit of this kindness.

“Hearing stories from her coworkers about how giving she’s been her whole life makes me feel even better about what we’re doing,” Tamie said.

Despite the overwhelming support for the fundraiser, there have been challenges.

Betty requested privacy, and Tamie has respected that wish, even facing criticism from some TikTok users who wanted to see the reaction of the elderly waitress on video.

Tamie explained, “She didn’t ask for any of this.”

As donations exceeded expectations, Tamie also encountered logistical issues.

To protect Betty’s financial interests and ensure transparency, she worked with lawyers to set up a trust fund that wouldn’t affect Betty’s Social Security benefits.

Tamie noted, “It’s more complicated than I anticipated, but it’s worth it.”

For Tamie, one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been teaching her son, Leo, the importance of kindness.

She hopes the moment will leave a lasting impression on him, reinforcing the lessons she instills daily about being kind and showing empathy.

Looking back, Tamie hopes her journey will inspire others to act when they see an opportunity to help.

She believes that people should act without hesitation if they can make a difference.

As of writing, the funds raised for the elderly waitress have reached $330,240, a life-changing amount that will help her consider retirement after years of hard work.

While she hasn’t decided how to use the money, Betty plans to focus on caring for herself and supporting her family.

Grateful for the unexpected generosity, she feels like a miracle has happened.

Meanwhile, Tamie, following legal advice, plans to keep the GoFundMe campaign open for now and hopes to close it once everything is finalized.

Looking back on the rapid events of the past week, Tamie reflects on Betty’s situation, emphasizing that “Betty is totally deserving of this money, and totally deserving of her privacy at the same exact time.”

Here’s Tamie’s viral video reaching out to her followers to help Betty, the elderly waitress, retire:

@tamie.lynn Hoping we can help this sweet lady retire! I think Jen Hamilton could help me do it but I can’t tag her! #viralvideo #fyp #jenhamilton ♬ original sound – Tamie Konzier