The 2020 Tip Challenge: Because everyone needs help sometimes
It started on New Year's Day. At a Michigan restaurant, server Danielle Franzoni received a $2020 tip on a $23 order of food. The customer left a note saying, "Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge." Franzoni told NBC News, "I feel like I want to say everything from my heart, but this couple has no idea what they have done for my family." She paid it forward by leaving a $20.20 tip at dinner later that week.
The 2020 Tip Challenge is a way to give back and help out people in need. If you can afford it, give a $2020 tip. That's out of reach for most people so a tip of $20.20 is recommended.
The Tip Challenge received some publicity when actor Donnie Wahlberg left a $2020 tip at his local IHOP. His wife, actress Jenny McCarthy, commented on Twitter, "Donnie Wahlberg starting 2020 out like the amazing man he is. #2020TipChallenge"
Next stop was Oak Lawn, Illinois. Shannon Vargas is a server at the Original Pancake House. One of her customers had a meal costing $36. She paid with a credit card and left a tip of $2020. Along with the tip, she left this message:
"...because everyone needs help sometimes."
Vargas was in shock and didn't believe what she saw. She told NBC5 Chicago, "I poked my head around the corner, asked her if it was a joke, and she was like 'no.' After that I was in tears. It was a crazy day for me."
What the customer didn't know was that Shannon Vargas was trying to get back on her own after being homeless. She has two teenage children and they're currently living in a hotel. She is hoping the tip money will help them get their own place to live.
This is just another reminder that there is not a singular look to homelessness. Every story and situation is different. Be gentle, be kind and do what you can to help...because everyone needs help sometimes.
Related: This story is part of the ongoing series Faces Of Homelessness.
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