Evoni Williams was going about her usual workday at the Waffle House in La Marque, Texas, when a moment of kindness transformed her life. At just 18 years old, Williams had been working at the restaurant since graduating high school, diligently saving her earnings to fund her college education.
On a particularly busy morning, a partially disabled customer named Adrien Charpentier requested Williams’ help in cutting his ham. Charpentier, who has been experiencing muscle weakness in his hands, found it difficult to use a knife, although he could manage a fork. Without hesitation, Williams assisted him, despite the bustling environment around them.
Unbeknownst to Williams, another diner, Laura Wolf, captured this entire exchange on camera and shared it on Facebook. The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of shares and drawing the attention of La Marque Mayor Bobby Hocking. Moved by the gesture, Hocking declared March 8 as “Evoni ‘Nini’ Williams Day” in her honour.
In addition to this recognition, Texas Southern University awarded Williams a $16,000 scholarship to support her college aspirations. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Williams expressed her gratitude and plans to study business management, with hopes of one day opening her own restaurant.
In a world where you can be anything – be KIND