Starting over requires more than bravery—it demands faith in the unknown. For Bethany Provencher, that courage defined her journey. After eighteen years in Miami, the single mother packed her life into boxes and moved to St. Charles, Illinois, determined to build a brighter future for her eleven-year-old son. It wasn’t easy. The apartment was nearly empty, savings were thin, but her spirit remained unshaken. Each morning, she reminded herself that new beginnings often start quietly, with small steps and steady hope.
With twenty-five years of experience in customer service, Bethany soon found work at a local IHOP. The job offered stability, but life still felt uncertain. Then, one ordinary afternoon, something extraordinary happened. A familiar couple—singer Donnie Wahlberg and his wife, actress Jenny McCarthy—walked into the restaurant. Bethany greeted them warmly, ensuring their visit was comfortable and pleasant, never expecting anything more than a friendly exchange.
After finishing their meal, the couple thanked her kindly and left. When Bethany returned to clear the table, she noticed the $35.27 bill—alongside a handwritten note: “Thanks, Bethany. Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge.” Her heart raced as she glanced at the total—a $2,020 tip. Overwhelmed, she stood in disbelief, tears welling up as the realization sank in.
That unexpected act of kindness did more than ease financial strain—it reignited her belief in good people and new possibilities. Bethany had set out to rebuild her life, unsure what the future held, and found proof that compassion often appears just when it’s needed most. For her, that generous tip wasn’t just money—it was hope made visible.