Starting over in life takes courage, and Bethany Provencher proved she had plenty. A single mom to an 11-year-old boy, she made the bold decision to leave Miami after 18 years and begin anew in St. Charles, Illinois. Determined to provide a better life for her son, Bethany packed up her belongings and embraced a fresh start.
With 25 years of experience in customer service, she quickly secured a job as a server at a local IHOP. She also moved into a new apartment, though furnishing it remained a challenge due to limited funds. Despite the hurdles, she remained optimistic, focusing on the new chapter she was creating for her family.
One day at work, Bethany noticed a familiar couple walk in: singer Donnie Wahlberg and his wife, Jenny McCarthy. Excited to serve one of her favorite performers, she made sure their lunch experience was perfect. Little did she know, the day had a special surprise in store. After their meal, Donnie and Jenny left the total bill of $35.27 along with a note: “Thanks, Bethany, Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge.” They instructed her not to open it until they had left.
When she finally saw the receipt, she discovered a generous tip of $2,020. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bethany felt seen and appreciated in a way she hadn’t expected. Acts of kindness like this can transform a moment and inspire hope. For Bethany, that day at IHOP wasn’t just about serving a meal—it was a reminder that perseverance and positivity can bring unexpected blessings.