What a start to the year! In St. Charles, Illinois, while people enjoyed their dishes at IHOP, an unexpected event occurred.
For Bethany, it seemed like it was just going to be another ordinary day in her life. Especially at a time when some things in her life were quite turned upside down. Yes, for our local waitress, life was not a piece of cake right now.
Bethany's StoryBefore the summer of 2019, Bethany lived in a picturesque house in Florida, where she spent her days with her young son, who was the center of her world. Life in Florida had its challenges, especially as a single mother trying to provide the best for her son. As the summer heat became more intense, Bethany felt the urge for a fresh start and wanted to explore a new environment for both of them.
She had decided that a change of scenery in the warmer months could be just what they needed to discover new adventures and opportunities. And when it came to work, Bethany was certainly no novice. She had a considerable amount of experience in a specific field that she believed would be useful wherever she went.
Getting the JobWith over twenty years of experience in serving, taking orders, and serving countless guests, Bethany had perfected her skills as a waitress over the decades. This extensive experience, combined with her service-oriented attitude and dedication, gave her a clear advantage when she applied for a position at the prestigious IHOP restaurant in St. Charles in the fall of 2019. Her resume and experience impressed the decision-makers so much that she quickly got the job.
But while it seemed like her work situation was improving, her living situation was still quite a sticking point. Not everything in this aspect of her life was set in stone, and we would soon delve deeper into this story to discover the difficulties and surprises that lay ahead for her.
Sweet Home?After making the difficult decision to leave Florida in search of a better future, Bethany and her son found refuge in Illinois thanks to the generosity of some relatives who reached out to help them, offering them a place in their home. This warm offer was accepted by both with deep gratitude, although despite having a roof over their heads, they longed to have a place of their own to settle down permanently. During their stay with the relatives, Bethany felt the weight of not having a home she could truly call her own.
Although she was grateful for the support, the thought of having her own place kept nagging at her. With her professional experience and unwavering determination, she was determined to change this. So, at the end of December 2019, she began to devise a plan to stand on her own two feet.
A Big MomentDuring this uncertain time, while searching for a suitable home, Bethany came across an attractive condominium that seemed to meet her expectations and requirements. Hoping it was the right decision, she decided to sign the lease, just in time before the end of the year.
She felt a little relieved, as she used her hard-earned savings to make this move. But as life often goes, challenges arise when least expected. And despite this positive step, Bethany soon faced new hurdles that clouded her success.
Some details of this situation became public when Bethany shared her experiences in an interview with ABC7 Chicago at the beginning of 2020. With a facial expression reflecting both hope and concern, she explained.
"On Monday, I got my key, and honestly, I have nothing to move in. My situation is so precarious that I don't even own a plate." Her words clearly showed that while she had found a place, she still faced the huge task of turning this place into a home for herself and her son.
"Struggling Every Day"To get a clearer picture of her financial situation, Bethany also had a conversation with People magazine. In this discussion, she delved into her financial situation, which seemed very tense, especially after purchasing the condominium. With a mixture of resignation and courage, she expressed.
"I just moved into an apartment. Life as a single mother with a child is not easy. Every day I struggle with financial difficulties and try to stretch every penny to make ends meet."
The Shift on New Year's DayThe situation sounds heart-wrenching and stress-filled to listen to. Yet, the story takes us back to Bethany's work shift on New Year's Day 2020 at IHOP. Despite all the challenges, work was a constant, a means of survival.
On that day, she needed money more than ever. Despite everything that was happening, she may have found some solace in the routine of work. But what she didn't know was that this particular workday held a surprise for her that she would never forget.
A Recognizable FaceTo understand the context, it is important to mention that the IHOP in St. Charles was crowded that evening, keeping Bethany very busy. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, an unusual silence fell over the room.
Whispered conversations and glances turned toward the entrance. All eyes were on one person: a familiar face had just appeared in the restaurant, surrounded by his entourage.
Taking a LookThis mysterious man and his family took a seat at a table, attracting even more attention and curiosity from those present. Bethany, somewhat confused by the commotion, couldn't resist and peeked over to identify the newcomers.
At first, the face didn't seem familiar, but upon closer inspection, she had a suspicion: Could it really be the person she thought it was?
"I Was Startled"As she finally approached this special table, all her suspicions were confirmed. Looking back on this shocking moment in an interview with NBC Chicago in January 2020, she shared, "As soon as I heard his voice, I knew exactly who he was."
I managed to compose myself in front of them, but my inner excitement drove me straight to the bathroom. It was only there that I truly realized how significant it all was.
A Shared StoryBut this encounter with the famous customer was no coincidence; there was a story behind it. A story that few knew, but had left a deep impression on Bethany's heart and stretched back years.
Amidst all these stirring emotions, there was only one person she wanted to tell this incredible twist of fate. She later confessed this in an interview with ABC7 Chicago.
"She Looked at Me Twice""I called my mother from the bathroom," Bethany recounted with a mixture of emotions and nostalgia to ABC7 Chicago. "My mother had stood in endless lines for hours just to get tickets and bring me to see this artist when I was younger."
"I have been to two of his concerts, and I'm pretty sure he looked at me both times. I am convinced!"
Useful TipsAfter this unexpected turn of events, the question is: how did the rest of the evening unfold for Bethany? Could she gather herself in the bathroom? If she was still overwhelmed, was her boss there to offer her support?
Gabriela Rivera, who was managing the IHOP at the time, knew exactly what to say to calm her experienced waitress.
"Treat Him Like Any Other"Reflecting on this moment, Rivera shared with ABC7 Chicago: "It was Bethany who informed me about the situation. I tried to calm her down by saying, 'It's okay, it's exciting, but take deep breaths and try to stay calm."
"Just go over and serve him like any other customer." A truly wise and fitting advice. And Bethany, always professional, decided to follow this advice and returned to serve the table of her surprising guest.
Staying CalmDespite the nervousness she felt inside, Bethany refused to show how much she admired this man. That couldn't have been easy! But she managed to remain professional and successful in her job.
Well done, Bethany! Given the difficult time she was going through, this was certainly a welcome distraction.
The End?After the tough decision to leave Florida and seek a better future, Bethany and her son found refuge in Illinois thanks to the generosity of some relatives. They gratefully accepted this warm invitation.
Although they had a roof over their heads, they longed to have a place of their own where they could settle down forever. During their stay with the relatives, Bethany felt the weight of not having a real home.
You see, as the man paid the bill, he wanted to tell Bethany something before leaving IHOP. He gave the experienced waitress very specific instructions.
But what were these details? Well, she gave us a deeper insight into this experience during a conversation with People magazine in January 2020.
"I Almost Collapsed"In an emotionally charged interview, Bethany recalled this special encounter with the famous customer and emphasized how she strived to provide top-notch service. "I made sure to offer them the best service possible, just like I do with all my customers, no matter who they are," she confessed. After he had finished his meal, he carefully folded the receipt and handed it to her, looking into her eyes and asking her to only look at it after they had left the restaurant.
Bethany, always following the guest's wishes, responded with a warm and sincere smile, "Thank you for coming. You are always welcome here, and I would be happy to serve you again." However, when she later checked the bill, the surprise was so great that she almost buckled under her own weight.
A Generous TipThe surprise and emotion on Bethany's face when she checked the receipt were evident – and for good reason! As she unfolded the slip and read what was written on it, her eyes widened in realization of the customer's generosity. In the tip field, the customer had clearly written an amount that seemed almost unbelievable: $2,020. This amount was not only generous, it was literally life-changing, especially for someone like Bethany who was going through economically tough times as a single mother.
The impact of this generosity became even more significant when considering Bethany's recent move and financial worries. This generous gift changed her year in a way she never would have imagined possible.
The Man Behind the Gesture...It was an incredibly generous gesture from the mysterious man. And speaking of him, I think it's time to reveal his identity. Who was this famous face?
The generous guest was none other than Donnie Wahlberg. In case you're not familiar, he is the older brother of Mark Wahlberg and also a successful star.
Getting to Know Donnie WahlbergSince his beginnings, Wahlberg has shown unique potential in the entertainment industry. In his youth, specifically in the 80s, he had the opportunity to showcase his musical talents at a special audition. This event was under the supervision of none other than Maurice Starr, a famous music producer.
Recognizing Wahlberg's talent, Starr did not hesitate and offered him a position in an emerging music project. This project, New Kids on the Block, became a global phenomenon. It marked the start of a remarkable career for Wahlberg in pop music.
Musical SuccessFrom then on, Wahlberg enjoyed huge success with the band. His second and third albums topped the Billboard charts. It seemed like his future lay in music.
But in 1994, it was all over. New Kids on the Block disbanded. Yet Donnie's career was far from over.
After making a name for himself in the music world, Wahlberg felt the urge to venture into acting. His bravery landed him a role in "Bullet" in 1996, which certainly piqued his interest in film. But that wasn't his only remarkable role that year; he also starred in "Ransom," further solidifying his presence on the big screen.
Over the years, Wahlberg has repeatedly shown his versatility as an artist. One highlight was undoubtedly his role in "The Sixth Sense." His career showcases that he is not only musically talented but also possesses genuine acting skills.
Career HighlightsSince his film debut, Wahlberg has showcased impressive versatility. He landed a leading role in the acclaimed miniseries "Band of Brothers," praised by both critics and audiences. He didn't limit himself to historical drama but also appeared in three sequels of the famous "Saw" franchise.
However, in recent years, he has primarily focused on the TV series "Blue Bloods," where he has been a main character since 2010 and established himself as one of the lead roles.
Love is in the AirIn his personal life, Wahlberg married Kim Fey in 1999. Unfortunately, they decided to separate almost a decade later.
But it wasn't all work in Wahlberg's life. He soon found love again and married TV personality Jenny McCarthy.
Why Such a Generous Tip?Wahlberg was at IHOP on New Year's Day 2020 with McCarthy. But here's a burning question that interests us: Why did this famous actor leave such a generous tip?
Was his generous gesture just a whim, or was there more to it? The answer might surprise you!
"2020 Tip Challenge"Earlier this year, stories began circulating on social media about a trend wave known as the "2020 Tip Challenge." This impressive initiative started in Michigan, where a customer, perhaps driven by a desire to make a difference, left a $2,020 tip for a waitress at Thunder Bay River Restaurant.
Donnie Wahlberg himself was deeply moved by this story and decided to join this wave of generosity.
Adopting the TrendAnd Wahlberg wasn't the only star to participate in this challenge. In the first week of January, Harry Styles also left a $2,020 tip while dining in Anguilla.
It appears that he was accompanied by Adele and James Corden on that vacation. What a combination of stars!
Wahlberg didn't stop...And those who thought Wahlberg would only participate in this challenge once were mistaken! Surprisingly, he joined again in November 2020.
This time it was at the Marshland Restaurant in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The lucky recipient of the tip was the waitress Denise Andrews.
A Regular CustomerIn November 2020, the world heard again about Wahlberg's touching gesture, thanks to an exclusive interview People conducted with the restaurant owner. Marty Finch, the proprietor, already knew the famous actor. He revealed that Wahlberg had dined at his place before and maintained a kind of friendly relationship with the restaurant and its staff.
Finch reported that Wahlberg often dined at this restaurant and always asked for Denise as his waitress. This indicated a special bond between the two.
"His jaw dropped""Wahlberg ordered his usual dish: steak tips with grilled asparagus and poached eggs," Finch continued. "Denise always knows exactly what he wants. When he left, he simply told her.
'Denise, the payment is on the table.' She was always impressed by his generosity, but this amount nearly knocked her off her chair.
"Pass it on"And how could Denise not react this way! Finch added: "Denise was very generous. She shared her tip with other wait staff and the kitchen team. She even made a donation."
She now plans to help other families during the holidays. Wahlberg told her to pass on the generosity, and that's exactly what she intends to do.
Past Good DeedsBut here's the twist, folks. Although the challenge apparently motivated people to be more generous in restaurants, Wahlberg had this habit even before 2020.
In 2017, he made headlines by visiting different Waffle House restaurants twice and overwhelming the staff each time with his generosity.
"Truly impressive"In the hot summer of 2017, Donnie Wahlberg decided to have breakfast at a Waffle House in Maryland. The restaurant was bustling that morning, with waiters running back and forth. Jessica Reed, an employee, struck up a conversation with the famous actor.
Apart from his financial gift, he also took the time for a shared photo with the staff, demonstrating his humility.
Another Generous TipBut Wahlberg's charitable spirit did not end in Maryland. Just a week after that incident, the actor found himself at a Waffle House in North Carolina.
He realized how hard it is to work in the early hours and left a proud $2,000 tip for the staff present.
"A Blessing"Returning to the exciting New Year's Day: Many wondered how Bethany reacted to the amazing tip that Wahlberg had left her. In an interview with People, the waitress shared her deep emotions and gratitude.
Bethany, with tears in her eyes, couldn't believe how generous this gesture was. For her, it was not just a gift but also a ray of hope in a difficult time.
"Truly Impressive"In the hot summer of 2017, Donnie Wahlberg decided to have breakfast at a Waffle House in Maryland. The restaurant was bustling that morning, with waiters running back and forth. Jessica Reed, an employee, struck up a conversation with the famous actor.
Apart from his financial gift, he also took the time for a group photo with the staff, showing his humility.
Another Generous TipBut Wahlberg's charitable spirit did not end in Maryland. Just a week after that incident, the actor found himself at a Waffle House in North Carolina.
He realized how hard it is to work in the early hours and left a proud $2,000 tip for the staff present.
"A Blessing"Returning to the exciting New Year's Day: Many wondered how Bethany reacted to the amazing tip that Wahlberg had left her. In an interview with People, the waitress shared her deep emotions and gratitude.
Bethany, with tears in her eyes, couldn't believe how generous this gesture was. For her, it was not just a gift but also a ray of hope in a difficult time.
A Final SurpriseAfter Wahlberg's noble act, Bethany could start furnishing her new apartment. But the story doesn’t end here. One day, while Bethany was working at IHOP, the restaurant's phone rang.
On the other end of the line was the celebrity who had changed her life. Donnie Wahlberg wanted to speak to her personally.