Bethany Provencher was no stranger to new beginnings. After spending 18 years building a life in Miami, the single mother made the brave decision to start fresh. With her 11-year-old son by her side, she left behind everything familiar and moved more than 1,300 miles north to St. Charles, Illinois, in search of a better future.
Though the move was filled with uncertainty, Bethany remained hopeful. With over two decades of customer service experience, she quickly found a job as a server at a local IHOP. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was steady and honest. She was proud to provide for her son, even if it meant starting from scratch.
Their new apartment was clean and safe, but nearly empty. With limited funds, Bethany couldn’t afford furniture—no beds, no couch, no dining table. Still, she showed up to work each day with a positive attitude, determined to make the best of their new life.
Then one ordinary afternoon turned extraordinary.
As Bethany approached one of her tables, she immediately recognized two familiar faces—actor Donnie Wahlberg and television personality Jenny McCarthy. Excited but composed, she served them just like any other guests, offering her usual friendly and attentive care.They enjoyed their meal and asked Bethany not to look at the receipt until after they left. She smiled and agreed, not thinking much of it. When she finally unfolded the bill, she was stunned.
Next to a handwritten note that read, “Thanks, Bethany. Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge,” was a tip for $2,020.Bethany was overwhelmed with emotion. That generous act of kindness came at a time when she needed it most. The tip would allow her to purchase the basic furnishings she couldn’t previously afford—beds, a table, and a comfortable place for her and her son to relax after long days.More than just financial relief, the gesture gave her renewed hope. It reminded her that even in moments of struggle, compassion and generosity can appear when least expected.Bethany’s experience became a powerful example of the “2020 Tip Challenge,” a movement where people were encouraged to leave generous tips to start the new decade on a positive note. For her, it wasn’t just a trend. It was a deeply meaningful moment of support from two kind-hearted people who chose to uplift a stranger.
For Bethany and her son, that day marked more than just a generous tip—it was a turning point. And a reminder that kindness, no matter how simple or unexpected, has the power to change lives.