When Nic Nac Cafe Owner Jackie Heather heard Doris "Tiny" Walters' cancer had returned and she would be having to go through more radiation treatments in Texas, she wanted to do something for her former boss and longtime friend.
Heather started working for Walters at Nic Nac while still in high school. After working with Walters for 22 years, she purchased the restaurant in 1999. Since then Walters became a regular customer and even helped out in the kitchen when needed.
Many items were donated to the auction called by Grant Petree, Larry Petree Auction Service, who along with others volunteered his time and services. Employees of the Nic Nac Cafe also donated time and services cooking and serving food to raise money as well. Walters said the cafe has become a home for her and the employees make her feel that way.
"Walters helped out tons of people," Heather said. "Everyone I asked to give a donation said they would be glad to help because anytime they needed help she was glad to do it."
Since taking over in 1999, Heather said she has applied several things she learned from Walters in how she has run Nic Nac. Things Walters taught her included how to make homemade pies and several items they make from scratch.
"I am just trying to carry on what she did while she owned the cafe," Heather said. "To have this fundraiser is just a payback for everything she has done for me. If it was not for her teaching me what I know now I would not be able to own or run a business like I do. She is a very special person to everybody here."
Heather said it is strange when Walters is not at Nic Nac because she is so used to seeing her. Ways to continue to help Walters are praying for her and stopping to speak to Walters according to Heather.
"I could not ask for a better group of people than here at Nic Nac," Walters said. "They would do anything in the world for you. I could not ask for a better town either. If it had not been for all of you I would not be here now. I appreciate all the support and prayers."
To donate or send along an encouragement, call Heather at the Nic Nac Cafe at 573-796-2821 or 573-690-0110.