WILLIAMSTOWN, WV (WOWK) – Working in the restaurant industry, you meet all kinds of people across all walks of life. And at Davinci’s Restaurant in Williamstown, West Virginia, one server met a couple who she says have changed her outlook on life.
DaVinci’s shared the tip Manhattan Deming received on Facebook, and it made headlines both locally and nationally. A $2,000 tip on a $148.41 bill.
“That figure, the $2,000, you don’t see that on a piece of paper from one table. It was just insane,” Deming told WOWK 13 News.
Deming has only been a waitress at DaVinci’s for a couple of months. She joined the team after leaving a previous position working in a hospital.
“I just felt like I needed a change in my environment, and I am so lucky that I did because here, I feel so accepted,” said Deming. “I feel like I’m so much more acclimated now than I ever have been.”
In her previous job, however, Deming was working toward her dreams.
“I want to be a nurse. I worked on labor and delivery when I worked in the hospital as a patient care technician. I got to give the babies their first blood tests and give them their first baths —and be a part of the mothers’ first few hours with their children,” Deming said. “And that was so fulfilling, and as much as I love serving, I want to be able to help be the change in people’s lives as well.”
Receiving the $2,000 tip from the couple, who weren’t even from around the area, was something she never expected, and that’s why she says she wants to make the most of it. She also has a special message for the couple.
“I would tell them that they have made such a change in my life. They have set up my whole year to be the year I achieve my goals,” Deming said.
While Deming was speaking with WOWK 13 News Reporter Jackson Rozinsky and Digital Executive Producer Mike Browning, she got another surprise of a lifetime.
Browning told Deming: “West Virginia University of Parkersburg President Tori Jackson just texted me and said that they can reach out to you about financial aid opportunities through their college so that you could go back to school.”
“This doesn’t even seem real! It seemed so far out of my reach, and you’re telling me right now that they’re reaching out to me?!” a shocked Deming replied.
“They’re going to try and help you achieve your goal,” Browning said.
Deming added: “Tell the president of WVUP that I am ready and waiting!”
