Watch CBS News

David's Diner waitress receives huge tip, shares with rest of staff

David's Diner waitress receives huge tip, shares with rest of staff
David's Diner waitress receives huge tip, shares with rest of staff 02:15

SPRINGDALE BOROUGH (KDKA) -- The holidays are a time for giving back and spreading kindness. Last weekend, a group of people walked into a small local diner to do just that when they surprised a waitress with a gift she will never forget.

Love was all around at David's Diner this past Saturday. Kayla Webster had picked up the book with the check from the table she was serving.

"I noticed everyone's staring at me," Webster said.

As she was walking back to the kitchen, she opened it to find a Christmas card, and went to her boss, Pam Morrow-Wolfe.

"(Webster) came walking in completely white, and I said, 'Are you okay?' And I said, 'What's wrong honey? Breathe,'" Morrow-Wolfe said.

"I was like, 'They just tipped me almost $1,000,' and then I started bawling," Webster said.

Neither of them could believe it.

Once Webster caught her breath, she walked out, crying, hugging and thanking the eight people at the table, known as the "Just Be Claus" crew. Founder Betsie Bish Marks said they've been trying to spread some joy during the holidays since 2021.

All eight of them at the table contributed to a tip totaling $900.

The waitresses at the diner typically split their tips at the end of the day, so Webster immediately went over to her co-worker Christy Schulte.

"She was like, 'I want to give everyone $100,' and I said, 'Yeah, let's do it,'" Schulte said.

So they each took $200, and gave $100 to everyone else.

"We make this run, so they all deserved it just as much as we did," Webster said.

"It's one happy family here, so everybody cares about everybody else and wants to make sure everyone's taken care of," Morrow-Wolfe said. "Tips are tips, but something like that, it's life-changing, especially a few weeks before the holiday. Couldn't happen at a better time."

They couldn't feel more grateful.

"It's a godsend," Schulte said.

After all, 'tis the season of giving.

"They needed a little bonus too and a little Christmas cheer," Webster said.

As for how Webster's spending the money, she's putting it towards her kids' Christmas presents.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.