In today’s world, many people work tirelessly just to make ends meet. While some take advantage of the system, far more honest workers show up every day, putting in long hours to support their families.
Bethany Provencher is one of them. A hardworking single mother to an 11-year-old son, she moved from Miami to St. Charles, Illinois, seeking a fresh start. With 25 years of customer service experience, she found work at a local IHOP, though money remained tight and her new apartment was barely furnished.
One day near the start of the new year, a celebrity couple sat in Bethany’s section: singer Donnie Wahlberg and his wife, Jenny McCarthy. A longtime fan of Donnie and New Kids on the Block, Bethany was thrilled to serve them—unaware the encounter would change her life.
After paying their $35.27 bill, Donnie asked her not to open the receipt until they left. When she did, Bethany was stunned to find a handwritten note and a $2,020 tip, part of his “2020 Tip Challenge,” shared with her and her coworkers.