Other Big Fat Tips in Cities Around the United States!
We wanted to shake things up by going to an establishment that worked for tips but was not in the food service industry. We went to an extraordinary old barbershop. Alas, they only took cash. Since we are an official nonprofit, we only deal with recorded transactions and must use a credit card to track where the funds are going. So, after a great haircut, we wandered around the corner and walked into this old diner. After watching the video, you may decide it was meant to be!
Big Fat Tip #44 happened in Atlanta at The Landmark Diner on August 8, 2023, during the ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Annual Meeting. Watch the video to see his reaction and how we found him. Big Fat Thanks to our donors and volunteer of the day, Timothy Woods.
We flipped a coin to determine where to drop #43, which led us to an interesting biz that offers tattoos and brews. These recipients visited the business that was on the tail end of the coin toss and made their day with a big tip - keeping the reason a sweet secret. Shout out to our volunteer of the day: Chris Robinson!
We received this follow-up email from Jarrod: “As a business owner, I felt an instant state of confusion and a feeling of guilt for excepting such a generous random tip from a stranger. Then I remembered that it has been a long road to get here. Quitting my job to invest everything we had into a small business that we have yet to pay ourselves out of yet. Not to mention the added credit cards purchases lol. Beyond all of that, I think this experience has validated and reinforced my passion for ‘being of service’ and hope that everyone that walks in our shop knows that they’re valued and appreciated.There’s a lot people out there that still care and value our line of work, and you never know who is going to come through your doors with a Big Fat Tip…Cheers!”
This was our first drop on the first day of 2023! When we entered the Waffle House, we were told they were short-staffed, and to expect delayed service. We only intended to purchase something small, like one plain waffle and a drink, so we did not care about quick service. The six of us sat at the counter, watching all of the action in the kitchen. We overheard our server and the cook talking about how this was her last day on the job. Intrigued, we asked why. Normally, we don't get the backstory before we surprise them with the money. We have already decided before entering the building that we are handing over a $1,000 tip before we meet the person who will receive it. So, it was especially thrilling to hear that today was her last day at work. She confessed that she "just wasn't a very good server" and needed another job because she was currently attending the University of South Florida. She told us she was studying Accounting and Chinese and hoped to go to China one day soon. She enthusiastically showed off her language skills, too. Her reaction when she saw the tip was priceless!
It was a regular quiet Wednesday morning in the Tampa International Airport. Our volunteer ordered a club soda - and dropped a surprise $1,000 tip.
Her genuine reaction warmed our hearts! We were all crying! She said she would remember this day forever. Special thanks to Nicole Araujo for pulling in most of the money for this drop through her birthday fundraiser on Facebook!
Our volunteer of the day, Madison Leigh, was attending the Healthcare Distribution Alliance meeting at the JW Marriott one block away from the Alfred coffee bar. She enthusiastically volunteered to assist with this drop, and we think she did a fantastic job. Our favorite part was the reactions from the baristas. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!
We wandered around downtown Austin attempting to give out this surprise $1,000 tip and ran into several hurdles. Restaurants were closed or too crowded! We wound up at the Iron Cactus. Little did we know, but the bartender has his own nonprofit: Knock Out Volley Ball, which brings the sport to kids who do not have access to the game. Our intention is for these funds to help the recipient with an immediate need in their lives. We hope they will "pay it forward" one day in the future. He decided to do that right away. Watch to see his reaction.
We love the reaction of this owner and how he was so excited to be able to pass this tip along to his employees!
This tip was funded and sponsored by Dark Rhino Security. BIG FAT THANKS to Kevin Casey for making this one happen and for our volunteer (and donor) of the day, Wendy Chilula! #bigfattip
Well, that is a whole lotta love right there! BIG FAT THANKS to our volunteer of the day, and multiple-time donor, Teri Carden. Her enthusiasm continues to keep the momentum going. THANK YOU, Teri! #bigfattip This tip was sponsored by her fantastic event: Non Due$-A-Palooza!
When we walked in to see a truck covered in money, we knew we were in the right place! Her reaction was adorable. BIG FAT THANKS to Anne Nevel and The Sleepover for fully funding this $1,000 tip! Anne has donated many times in the past, and we are so grateful for her support! #bigfattip. Thanks to our friends who witnessed this drop. Many of them have donated to the cause and supported us by encouraging their friends to donate: Teri Carden, Tammy Johns, Wendy Gilhula, Carla Howard, Jody Johnson, and Maggie Peters.