Mother Surprised By Daughter’s Birthday Dinner Bill When Presented By Server

Note: This story, originally featured in September 2017 news, is being republished.

A couple frequented an Applebee’s in Washington, Pennsylvania, three to four times a week, often surprising fellow diners by picking up their tabs.

During one such visit, Jolie Welling was celebrating her daughter’s birthday at the restaurant when a stranger anonymously paid for their party of 16. Touched by the gesture, Jolie took to Facebook, writing: “Thank you to the person that took care of the bill tonight at Applebee’s in Washington! This person paid for the whole party of 16. I have never had this happen before and it brought tears to everyone’s eyes.”

Samantha Powell, the server that evening, was deeply moved as well. “I was almost in tears. It touches me, too,” she shared.

Another recipient of their kindness, Darla Pepper-Miller, experienced a similar act of generosity six months earlier while celebrating a choir member’s birthday at the same restaurant. When they asked for their bill, they were informed it had already been settled.

“Just gratitude because of everything going on in the world and so much turmoil and protests and hatred,” Pepper-Miller reflected. “It’s good to know that there are people that care about each other and give, pay it forward.”

The couple, who own a local business, have made a habit of anonymously paying for others’ meals at Applebee’s for years, typically two or three times a month.

Applebee’s Assistant Manager Bernie Lewis maintained the anonymity of the generous couple, saying, “He always says, ‘I grew up poor and now I’m not’ and that is all he says.
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