$1,200 Tip: That's How Much Diners Left A Georgia Waitress

DUBLIN, GA — A Georgia waitress received an early Christmas surprise while on the job when a large table she was serving handed her a holiday card filled with cash. Janet Ballard, a 53-year old mother of two, had been serving the party of 12 at Cracker Barrel when the diners handed her $1,200 in cash as her tip, reported Blacknews.com.

“Counting the money, I got so choked up by the time I got to $400,” she told TODAY Food. “They wanted me to count out loud. By the time I got to $400, I was like ‘Oh my goodness this is really happening.'”

“I got so emotional and I don’t really like to cry with a camera in my face, but I didn’t even care at this point,” she continued. “I had 12 total strangers saying, ‘Hey, we care enough about you because of how you made us feel while we were dining and we want to be a blessing to you and your family.'”

Ballard said she treats all of her customers specially and takes careful note of any allergies or dietary preferences. She said she likes to make a connection with everyone she serves and did just that with this table of diners on Dec. 11.

One of the members of that table, James Deal, said he and his 11 friends decided they wanted to each contribute $100 because they felt it was the right thing to do. “What a wonderful day with friends as we celebrate our 1st Annual 100 dollar breakfast,” he wrote on Facebook. “We all gave our waitress Janet a $1200.00 tip.”

Ballard said she was thankful for the gracious tip because it answered her prayers. She was able to pay her taxes and make an early car payment to improve her credit score. The generosity inspired her to give back, too. After work, she treated herself to a seafood lunch and then “blessed” her server with a large tip. Later, she did the same at a pedicure appointment.

“Because of the gift of love and caring and sharing," she said, "I’m able to not only be a better Janet, but I am able to be an example for people this time of year who don’t have hope.”