Donnie Wahlberg hands single mom jaw-dropping tip at IHOP – tells her “open it when we leave”
Life hadn’t been easy for Bethany Provencher, a single mother determined to give her 11-year-old son a better future. After nearly two decades in Miami, she packed up what little they had and moved to St. Charles, Illinois, hoping for a fresh start.
With over 25 years of experience in customer service, Bethany quickly found work at a local IHOP, grateful for the chance to rebuild. Still, money was tight — her new apartment was barely furnished, and every paycheck went toward rent, bills, and her son’s school needs.
Despite it all, Bethany never complained. She showed up every morning with a smile, ready to serve others even when life served her little in return.
Then, one quiet afternoon near the start of a new year, the kind of moment she’d only seen in movies unfolded before her.
A celebrity couple walked into her section — Donnie Wahlberg and his wife, Jenny McCarthy.
Bethany recognized Donnie instantly. She’d been a New Kids on the Block fan for years, and suddenly, there he was — cheerful, polite, and sitting at one of her tables. She served them with excitement and warmth, never imagining that this ordinary shift would soon become one of the most unforgettable days of her life.