The $500 Tip From a Dead Man

Aaron Collins, a man from Kentucky who died last July 7, left a very colorful yet touching will to his family. As his last request, he asked his family to spread some happiness through generous tips!

But the tips were not just any ordinary tips that followed the 25% rule. It was, needless to say, a lottery to service crews, giving out $500 tips to these strangers who had no clue.

“He left us a will full of his personality,” said Collin’s brother, Seth. “He asked that any debt he owed his parents be repaid should he have money in the bank at his death, but also had the following request: Third, leave an awesome tip (and I don’t mean 25%. I mean $500 on a f***ing pizza) for a waiter or waitress.”

After getting to know the request, his family quickly acted on it, posted it online and as early as July 10, the first $500 goal was already reached.

The lucky waitress who got the first pile of cash works for Piccini’s Smiling Teeth restaurant, located at Lexington and has left her teary-eyed, touched and very much moved to help them continue the website by spreading the word.

"I'm going to be telling this story for the rest of my life," she says.

Aaron’s brother, Seth Collins, also explained that they would continue to run the website, the organization and the generous mission for as long as donations are given.  Tips will still be given in bulks of $500, as the fulfillment of Aaron’s wish.

 "My brother passed away July 7, 2012. His final wish in his will, if he left enough money, was that we have pizza and give the waiter or waitress a $500 tip. Aaron never had much money , and he didn't have enough to make this happen, so I started a website and took donations. On July 10 we were able to make his wish come true for the first time.” Said Seth Collins.

Though the cause of Aaron’s death was not shared, their website stated that he “took great joy in unexpected kindness” and tips were one of these ways to do so. As of today, they have another opportunity to give another $500 tip and hopefully get a continuous chance to do so.