SPECIAL EDITION OF WEDNESDAY BLOG POST!

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and all of us being a little busy, I’m putting my blog post out a few days early. Oh who am I kidding...that’s not the only reason. What I’m about to write about, cannot wait until Wednesday!

Today, we hosted our first Secret Thanksgiving Event (I need a special name for this!). It was an amazing event and I know a few people who are already signed up for next year.

Quick background: Last year, on Facebook, I saw a story about a guy who had put together a group of people who had lunch together every year. They each paid $100 and then they enjoyed a good lunch and at the end, surprised the server with a larger than life “tip!”

I loved the idea so much, I decided to set a date, right then and put out a “save the date” on Facebook. Several people loved the idea and then, it was filed away.

In September, I decided to find a local restaurant that would be a good place to have breakfast/lunch and would allow me to make reservations for a group that could be anywhere from 15-25 or 30. Then, after some back-and-forth communication, I made the reservation, letting the manager know if would be all one check.

At the beginning of October, I started to solicit people to attend the event. I had to be careful to make sure they understood the importance of this being a secret as it would ruin the surprise for the server(s). Even the manager was not privy to the information.

I set the price at $75/person, meaning everyone would pay me, then I would pay the check and we would present the remaining balance of the money to our server(s).

As the reservations started to come in, we had nearly 25 people. Everyone was sending their money and I made sure it was in a safe place until the big day.

About ten days before today, I sent an email to the participants and revealed the restaurant, asking them to keep the surprise to themselves. This was going to be great fun and everyone was on board.

Today, I arrived about ½ hour early to make sure everything was set up and to make sure the server knew that I was to get the check and I said, “Don’t let anyone argue with you about that…it’s ‘my’ treat."

Our total of guest count was down to 15 which meant we would have $1,125. Covid, Pneumonia, the flu, and shingles had eliminated a few guests (that happens with my age group!). One of the guests who couldn’t make it had already paid, so I had $1,200 in cash tucked safely in my purse!

As guests started to arrive and we ordered our bloody Mary’s, mimosas, and chocolate martinis, we were giddy with excitement…our server had a big personality and we knew he was going to be shocked when he finished with our group.

We enjoyed our meals and had some delicious cookies and brownies for dessert. The server, Harry, stopped to chit chat after bringing the cookies and we learned that he had been in the military on a fuel ship and had served all over the world. Fortunately for him, he loved Italy the most…”I almost went AWOL,” he told us because he didn’t want to leave Italy!

I told Harry we were ready for the check. He sounded disappointed. I mean, we were a great group! I had one of the guests ready to video the presentation.

The bill arrived, and I stood up and gave him $400 in 4 - $100 bills. The bill had been $390.00. I then stopped him and said, “Harry, the people at this table paid a lot of money to be here. We’ve had a great time, and we would like you to have this great tip.” He took the envelope and thanked me. I then said, “We are giving you around $800, all cash!” Our table erupted in clapping cheers as he hugged me and said, “You have made a grown man cry!”

I can tell you he wasn’t the only one in tears! He was so grateful and so unassuming. It had been earlier that day that I found out many of the servers at The Café were getting back on their feet after various recovery programs. Now, I’m not sure if Harry was one of them, but it doesn’t matter…He was deserving and it couldn’t have been a better scene.

He hugged several people in our group, the other guests in the restaurant were curious about what had just happened and we were all smiles.

In the season of Thanksgiving and moving towards Christmas, I can tell you that this “hodge podge” of friends and family, were one big happy group and ready to carry this kindness throughout the season. The common denominator was me, but everyone was scattered around the table and there were conversations and never any awkward moments of quiet…except when we were eating.

I’m sure they are still smiling, re-living the day because I know I am and I am so grateful for those who supported this effort and are ready to do it again next year!

On that note, wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and kick-off to the month of Christmas and other holiday celebrations! I’ll have my little family arriving on Tuesday and will enjoy the food and traditions with my boys!!!

Love to all of you! I hope the gratitude and joy that was on Harry’s face today will forever be in my heart!  Fun pictures attached!!!  xoxoxoxo

*Trying to get video uploaded...watch for an update!