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My Brother Wanted to Give a $500 Tip; Now I Want to Give One in All 50 States

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S

Seth C

Member
So, most of you probably remember that when my brother passed away the last request in his will was that we go to dinner and leave a $500 tip for a waiter or waitress. Family donated the first $500 and we did it and I put the video on YouTube for them. Don't remember? You can check the video out here on YouTube or see the original thread right here. The first video went viral and then people donated $65,000 so that I could keep giving $500 tips. That's 130 of them, and I can hardly give all of those in my area. I paid for a 6 trip road trip myself and so far we have given away 34 $500 tips.

So now I'm trying to raise funding to spend a year on the road, giving away that money in honor of Aaron. I want to give at least one $500 tip in every state, but an average of 2 in each. I've started an Indiegogo campaign hoping to raise the money to pay for that road trip, and I'd love your support. If you want to donate that would be wonderful (and I think I'm offering some really cool perks), but you don't have to give money to help. Any activity on the campaign helps push us toward the front page. If we can get there millions of people will find out about Aaron. If you're registered with Indiegogo you can comment on the campaign, which helps push us to the front. If you aren't, even a $1 donation will also allow you to comment (that's double activity!). Or you can like it, share it, or Tweet it. Everything helps push the campaign to the front page and if we can get there, getting funding will be easy.

I want to make sure every penny of the original donated money goes toward tips, and I haven't and still won't use any of the money for myself (or to pay for travel, food, etc.). So if you want to help out, in any way, I'd love that.

The Indiegogo Campaign - Even if you just comment on the page it helps boost how many others will see it.
The Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
 
Y

yogloo

Member
Interesting thing to do. I really think you should get someone to make a documentary out of this.
Good luck.
 
J

JaseC

gave away the keys to the kingdom.
I remember this! I've bookmarked the page and will contribute soon, once I can be sure on how much I can offer.
 
B

brandonh83

Banned
Damn, you were in Ivel? I was actually in a car accident in Ivel on Christmas Eve! We were headed back up your way when it happened; we just moved to Virginia from Lexington last year to a town really close to Pikeville. Anyway it's great that you're still doing this, I wish I had something to contribute. Stay strong!

edit: eh I can spare some on second thought.
 
DietRob

DietRob

i've been begging for over 5 years.
yogloo said:
Interesting thing to do. I really think you should get someone to make a documentary out of this.
Good luck.
Click to expand...

This is a fantastic idea.

Despite your loss I really enjoyed following your last thread. I am sure many others would be able to find enjoyment of a documentary style movie of you handing out tips, collecting stories from the road, telling some about your brother. You should really consider reaching out I just have no idea to whom.

Start with Whitta?
 
S

Seth C

Member
Rentahamster said:
All 50, huh? Good luck with the logistics.

Do you know yet what your transportation will be like?
Click to expand...

Somehow it felt more "special" to go all out and do all 50 rather than saying the lower 48. Once I looked in to things, it doesn't really add a huge additional cost because if I'm in Seattle anyway I can take a cruise to Alaska for $400 or so, and if I'm in LA I can fly round trip to Hawaii for $400 give or take (and my friend has family I can stay with while there).

I'm actually meeting with a local company next week who has expressed interest in providing the car and paying for the fuel, so that will be a huge help. My rough route suggests I'd be driving about 16,000 miles. Not too bad!
 
C

Chris R

Member
You can fly SEA -> ANC -> SEA for ~ $325, and it won't take forever to cruise up (unless you were set on doing a cruise).

Plus, the food is better here in Anchorage :p
 
shira

shira

Member
Why don't you just make a onetime regular donation to a worthy cause.

You fulfilled your brother's wish, but now I'm not sure what you are doing.
Is this for fame now? Is your job to make youtubes?

How are you selecting these waitresses and restaurants?
What happens if a fight breaks out now that people are looking for you?
 
S

Seth C

Member
brandonh83 said:
Damn, you were in Ivel? I was actually in a car accident in Ivel on Christmas Eve! We were headed back up your way when it happened; we just moved to Virginia from Lexington last year to a town really close to Pikeville. Anyway it's great that you're still doing this, I wish I had something to contribute. Stay strong!

edit: eh I can spare some on second thought.
Click to expand...

Yup, I was in Ivel back in October. Keep in mind I spent most of my teenage years on Hurricane Creek just over the Pike county line near Harold, so Giovanni's was the only pizza place that delivered to my house (sometimes, when their one delivery guy worked...) so it was the local pizza joint for Aaron and I. So once I had a chance to get back home I always knew I wanted to leave a $500 tip there. Are you near Tazewell? We used to visit mom's family there when I was a kid. And thank you for the donation! Every one counts, even a single dollar, because Indiegogo pushes the most active campaigns to the front page (which then earns them a whole lot more money).

IAmtheFMan said:
I'll donate. Come to Chicago... I'm sure Chi-GAF would love to do this.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely be through Chicago, even if I can't fund this road trip (I have a friend there I can visit) and will invite Chi-GAF to come along.
 
B

brandonh83

Banned
Seth C said:
Are you near Tazewell? We used to visit mom's family there when I was a kid.
Click to expand...

Yeah, about 30 minutes maybe? Not far from Grundy. We're here while my gf goes to pharmacy school, I absolutely hate it. :p She was going to go to UK but wasn't accepted.
 
The Faceless Master

The Faceless Master

Member
wow, that's awesome!

and wtf @ the hair inn your avatar

shira said:
Why don't you just make a onetime regular donation to a worthy cause.

You fulfilled your brother's wish, but now I'm not sure what you are doing.
Is this for fame now? Is your job to make youtubes?

How are you selecting these waitresses and restaurants?
What happens if a fight breaks out now that people are looking for you?
Click to expand...

glad we got those questions out of the way!
 
S

Slurmer

Banned
shira said:
Why don't you just make a onetime regular donation to a worthy cause.

You fulfilled your brother's wish, but now I'm not sure what you are doing.
Is this for fame now? Is your job to make youtubes?

How are you selecting these waitresses and restaurants?
What happens if a fight breaks out now that people are looking for you?
Click to expand...
What?
 
W

whytemyke

Honorary Canadian.
rhfb said:
You can fly SEA -> ANC -> SEA for ~ $325, and it won't take forever to cruise up (unless you were set on doing a cruise).

Plus, the food is better here in Anchorage :p
Click to expand...

OR you can hit up Vancouver on the way and make it an INTERNATIONAL thing for your brother...

shira said:
Why don't you just make a onetime regular donation to a worthy cause.

You fulfilled your brother's wish, but now I'm not sure what you are doing.
Is this for fame now? Is your job to make youtubes?

How are you selecting these waitresses and restaurants?
What happens if a fight breaks out now that people are looking for you?
Click to expand...

I dig the idea, OP, but if you wanted to go this route you could always try a scholarship fund or something in his name. Could be a cool thing to do.
 
EviLore

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Seth C said:
The first video went viral and then people donated $65,000 so that I could keep giving $500 tips. That's 130 of them, and I can hardly give all of those in my area. I paid for a 6 trip road trip myself and so far we have given away 34 $500 tips.

I want to give at least one $500 tip in every state, but an average of 2 in each. I've started an Indiegogo campaign hoping to raise the money to pay for that road trip, and I'd love your support.

I want to make sure every penny of the original donated money goes toward tips, and I haven't and still won't use any of the money for myself (or to pay for travel, food, etc.). So if you want to help out, in any way, I'd love that.
Click to expand...

Hey Seth, congrats on what you've accomplished so far. Just a quick question about the math here. You said you've raised $65,000 (130 tips' worth), have used this money for tips (34 so far) while paying for travel expenses yourself, and want to do two tips per state on average (100 total + the 34 already done) as part of this project. And that you're not going to be paying for the new trip's expenses with this money. Doesn't that mean you already just about have the funding you need for the 50 state 100 tip proposal? I have no issues with you funding other elements of your project with the donation money -- logistics, travel expenses, fundraising, etc. -- but you're explicitly not proposing that with the campaign, it seems. Could you shed some light on what's being funded with the original donation amount and this new campaign outside of the tips themselves? Thanks!
 
S

Seth C

Member
WhatRobEats said:
This is a fantastic idea.

Despite your loss I really enjoyed following your last thread. I am sure many others would be able to find enjoyment of a documentary style movie of you handing out tips, collecting stories from the road, telling some about your brother. You should really consider reaching out I just have no idea to whom.

Start with Whitta?
Click to expand...

If I get to do this road trip there will definitely be some documentary aspects to it! For one, I will have two cameras plus a GoPro filming, and will have a friend with me running the second. So there will be a LOT of footage. Not just of the tips, but also of the adventure, the drive, side trips to scenic locations around America, follow-ups with waitresses, etc. I would be doing two tips a week and posting the "episode" the same day we give the tip, then at the end of each week there would be an episode of interview footage and behind the scenes stuff in the hotel, in the city, and talking logistics.

Of course, if Gary wants to offer connections or help, I'd never refuse. If you're reading, I loved "Book of Eli". For real though, I did.

EviLore said:
Hey Seth, congrats on what you've accomplished so far. Just a quick question about the math here. You said you've raised $65,000 (130 tips' worth), have used this money for tips (34 so far) while paying for travel expenses yourself, and want to do two tips per state on average (100 total + the 34 already done) as part of this project. And that you're not going to be paying for the new trip's expenses with this money. Doesn't that mean you already just about have the funding you need for the 50 state 100 tip proposal? I have no issues with you funding other elements of your project with the donation money -- logistics, travel expenses, fundraising, etc. -- but you're explicitly not proposing that with the campaign, it seems. Could you shed some light on what's being funded with the original donation amount and this new campaign outside of the tips themselves? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sorry if there was any confusion. The previously donated money (anything given by clicking the PayPal link on the website, or roughly $65k to date) will go toward the tips. So that is the 34 already given, plus 96 to be given on the road trip (with the assumption I'd get another $2,000 over the course of this year). This Indiegogo campaign is specifically to help fund the logistics of the road trip. So it would pay for travel expenses, lodging, meals, etc. Basically it would facilitate giving away the $50,000 I'm currently sitting on. So far I haven't used any of the PayPal donations for anything other than $500 tips, not even something like the PO Box that allows me to receive donations through the mail (I paid for the box and all of those mailed donations are also 100% dedicated toward tips). When all of this started I said "Once we have $500 his family will go to dinner somewhere and leave it as a gift for the waiter or waitress. If we continue to receive money, we will continue giving these gifts randomly..." Because of the way I worded that I would feel uncomfortable using any of the originally donated funds for anything other than big tips for waiters and waitresses.

And thank you for the words of support. If you stick around the continent you know I'd love to take you out to dinner in Texas.
 
K

Kastrioti

Persecution Complex
You and you're family are awesome people for doing this. I'll see what I can do.

When I worked in the restaurant industry a $50 tip would've made my week, let alone a $500 tip.
 
L

lexi

Banned
I wish you all the best and I think what you're doing comes from a good and noble place... but are Waiters and Waitresses really some downtrodden underclass in America worthy of a charity set up for them?
 
beanman25

beanman25

Member
If you haven't been to Missouri yet, I'd suggest a small pizzeria called Nick and Elena's in my town. Great small restaurant, and really helps out the community.


Great what you're doing too. I'll definitely donate when my wallet permits it.
 
Rentahamster

Rentahamster

Rodent Whores
lexi said:
I wish you all the best and I think what you're doing comes from a good and noble place... but are Waiters and Waitresses really some downtrodden underclass in America worthy of a charity set up for them?
Click to expand...

It's what was in the will. And the amount of goodwill that was voluntarily donated to go to that specific demographic was about 60 grand. The stated purpose was pretty clear, and no one was forced to cough up cash against their will.
 
S

Seth C

Member
rhfb said:
You can fly SEA -> ANC -> SEA for ~ $325, and it won't take forever to cruise up (unless you were set on doing a cruise).

Plus, the food is better here in Anchorage :p
Click to expand...

I'm not set on the cruise (though I've never been on one and imagine it would be nice), but I thought it would be fun for the audience to vary the methods of travel. I'd even considered giving a tip to a waiter while on the cruise (no clue if they accept tips) and if I could I'd like to do some train travel and give a tip in the dining car there as well.

Still, I would like to see Anchorage!

brandonh83 said:
Yeah, about 30 minutes maybe? Not far from Grundy. We're here while my gf goes to pharmacy school, I absolutely hate it. :p She was going to go to UK but wasn't accepted.
Click to expand...

Ah, Grundy. I'm familiar. We either went through or I saw signs for it as we made our drives to and from Tazwell. It always just reminded me of Solomon Grundy. I'm a nerd.

border said:
Coughed up $15 for the book, and left a public comment.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Hopefully I'll get to see you in Jacksonville.
 
C

Chris R

Member
whytemyke said:
OR you can hit up Vancouver on the way and make it an INTERNATIONAL thing for your brother...
Click to expand...

The drive to Vancouver from Seattle is nothing, no reason he couldn't hit it up while in Washington. The Alaska bit is a little tougher though.

Seth C said:
I'm not set on the cruise (though I've never been on one and imagine it would be nice), but I thought it would be fun for the audience to vary the methods of travel. I'd even considered giving a tip to a waiter while on the cruise (no clue if they accept tips) and if I could I'd like to do some train travel and give a tip in the dining car there as well.

Still, I would like to see Anchorage!
Click to expand...

No trains in the southeast, your cruise would be to Juneau right? If you had a cruise to Anchorage or Seward you could get on a train and go into the Interior and see things like Denali, ect.
 
EviLore

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member
Seth C said:
Sorry if there was any confusion. The previously donated money (anything given by clicking the PayPal link on the website, or roughly $65k to date) will go toward the tips. So that is the 34 already given, plus 96 to be given on the road trip (with the assumption I'd get another $2,000 over the course of this year). This Indiegogo campaign is specifically to help fund the logistics of the road trip. So it would pay for travel expenses, lodging, meals, etc. Basically it would facilitate giving away the $50,000 I'm currently sitting on. So far I haven't used any of the PayPal donations for anything other than $500 tips, not even something like the PO Box that allows me to receive donations through the mail (I paid for the box and all of those mailed donations are also 100% dedicated toward tips). When all of this started I said "Once we have $500 his family will go to dinner somewhere and leave it as a gift for the waiter or waitress. If we continue to receive money, we will continue giving these gifts randomly..." Because of the way I worded that I would feel uncomfortable using any of the originally donated funds for anything other than big tips for waiters and waitresses.

And thank you for the words of support. If you stick around the continent you know I'd love to take you out to dinner in Texas.
Click to expand...

Ah, got it, thanks for clarifying. Yeah, no idea where life will take me, as you know, but we'll see about making that happen. :D
 
S

Seth C

Member
beanman25 said:
If you haven't been to Missouri yet, I'd suggest a small pizzeria called Nick and Elena's in my town. Great small restaurant, and really helps out the community.


Great what you're doing too. I'll definitely donate when my wallet permits it.
Click to expand...

My mom, sister, and brother-in-law made a road trip out to Missouri a bit ago. Mom and Rachel are both huge Laura Ingalls Wilder/Little House fans, and they wanted to visit something related out there. They gave a tip while there, and that will be the video next week. I haven't even seen the footage, so even I will get to be surprised.
 
The Faceless Master

The Faceless Master

Member
lexi said:
I wish you all the best and I think what you're doing comes from a good and noble place... but are Waiters and Waitresses really some downtrodden underclass in America worthy of a charity set up for them?
Click to expand...
his brother's will mentioned tipping a waiter $500, it's not really more complex than that.
 
O

oatmeal

Banned
lexi said:
I wish you all the best and I think what you're doing comes from a good and noble place... but are Waiters and Waitresses really some downtrodden underclass in America worthy of a charity set up for them?
Click to expand...

Especially the ones working in trendy bars...and all of them seem to be somewhat attractive and young.

Go to the rest stops with the shitty old ladies who are struggling to get by. Not the college aged kids who are just going to blow it on one bar night.
 
The Faceless Master

The Faceless Master

Member
oatmeal said:
Especially the ones working in trendy bars...and all of them seem to be somewhat attractive and young.

Go to the rest stops with the shitty old ladies who are struggling to get by. Not the college aged kids who are just going to blow it on one bar night.
Click to expand...
You mean the old ladies that will waste it on lotto tickets and a bus trip to the casino?
 
B

brandonh83

Banned
Seth C said:
Ah, Grundy. I'm familiar. We either went through or I saw signs for it as we made our drives to and from Tazwell. It always just reminded me of Solomon Grundy. I'm a nerd.
Click to expand...

This place is so weird and disconnected from society that I find it bizarre to see someone on GAF know of Tazwell. And yeah, when I found out we were moving here, the Solomon thing is also the first thing I thought of. =\
 
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