A little kindness goes a long way.

That’s one of the lessons Robin Sanders has learned in the weeks since her father, Stephen Earl Toms, was fatally shot.

Sanders said she’s had strangers approach her with stories about her father’s generosity.

Toms was the manager of Gold & Silver Trading Center on Gentian Boulevard, as well as the owner of Duffy’s Bar.

“He had a very kind heart and he always tried to make people happy,” Sanders said of her father’s interactions at the Columbus businesses where he worked.

Now, the team at Duffy’s is having a fundraiser to increase the reward money for information in the fatal shooting. The reward is currently at $13,000.

Expect entertainment that begins at noon and ends at closing time.

A variety of local acts will take the stage. The event will also include a guest performance from Alabama Music Hall of Fame artist Jo Jo Benson.

Island Entertainment and Mark “Johnny Outlaw” Cantrell will host the event, which will feature raffles, giveaways and food for sale.

Sanders said the benefit is a testament to the impact her father made in his community.

“It’s nice to know, for me, that everybody thought so highly of my dad,” she said.

She encourages people to attend Saturday’s fundraiser.

“Come out for a good cause,” Sanders said. “There are good people and we do pull together.”

Toms was found shot to death the morning of Nov. 16 at Gold & Silver Trading Center.

Sonya Sorich, reporter, can be reached at ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8516.