Email of the Week: The Power of Individual Giving

Posted by Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

This waitress doodles on a receipt. When she opens Facebook 2 hours later, she almost faints.

Tim Young and Paul Hullings from New Jersey are hearty firefighters that live for their work. They once worked tirelessly for 12 hours to clear out a fire. After which, being completely exhausted, they went to a diner around 6 am to request the strongest cup of coffee the diner could muster.

Their waitress that day was Liz Woodward and she just happened to overhear the two firefighters discussing their tiresome battle. Eventually, when Tim and Paul went to pay, they were quite surprised. Instead of their bill, they were given this message.

Facebook/Tim Young

As Tim and Paul read this message, their eyes fill up with tears. Emotionally, they thank the kind waitress for her warm gesture. On Facebook, Tim recounts the event : “Such a selfless and kind act. I definitely urge my friends to make a trip out and support the business, and if Liz happens to be your waitress, tip big."

Facebook/Tim Young

But the story doesn’t end there.! The firefighters learned that Liz’s father, Steve, is quadriplegic and has been paralyzed for 5 years. Liz set up a donation page in winter to fund a wheelchair accessible vehicle so that she can take her father places. Tim urged people on Facebook to donate to Liz’s crowd-fund: “Turns out, the young lady who gave us a free meal is really the one that could use the help..."

Facebook/Liz Woodward

Then, the unbelievable happened: within a few days, she had gathered more than $70,000 - far more than the $17,000 needed for a wheelchair accessible van.! Liz and her family couldn’t be more grateful to the two firemen: ”All I did was pay for their breakfast. I didn’t expect anything more than a smile,” says the waitress.
“It goes to show that you just have to be kind to each other and that even the smallest gesture can change a life.”

Facebook/Liz Woodward

This story is proof that kindness pays off - sometimes a thousand fold.! If this heartwarming gesture moved you, then share the story of Liz, Tim and Paul with all your friends.!

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