Saratoga County waitress surprised with $1,500 tip

MALTA – A waitress at The Ugly Rooster in Malta got quite a surprise this past weekend, when one of her tables that had spent about $100 gave her $1,500 and told her to keep the change.

It was a holiday inspired, random act of kindness, and one that could not have come at a better time for the woman who received it.

Tammy Loya always loved stories about people spreading Christmas kindness by leaving really big tips for wait staff, so she coordinated a group of friends to do the same thing.

They didn’t have anyone specific in mind, just went in for their ugly Christmas sweater breakfast, and sat at Patty Smith’s table. They had never met her before.

They managed to record the moment when Loya gave Smith the good news.

Smith was moved to tears, and not just because of the overwhelming kindness. It turns out her husband had just been diagnosed with cancer.

So the money won’t just help with medical and household expenses – it will help deliver a little extra cheer to Smith’s two young children – ages 9 and 6.

See the happy moment caught on video by watching Jerry Gretzinger’s story.