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Breakfast Santa's

Breakfast Santa’s Strike Again!

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For the third year in a row a group of Daytonians gather for breakfast at a locally owned eatery and gift their server with an over the top tip.  This morning a small group that call themselves the ” Breakfast Santa’s”had breakfast at Hasty Tasty and after the meal handed their server Heather a gift bag with a $1200 gift.

Jack Omer, Brian Sharp, Server Heather and Vicki Giambrone.

While not everyone that contributed was able to make the breakfast, they all felt the sheer joy and holiday spirit of surprising a deserving waitress.  The Breakfast Santa’s shared they have one more breakfast scheduled this year.

Gifting Santa’s Strike Again!

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Blessings come to us in many ways. Today I experienced one of those blessings.

For the past few years I have been lucky enough to be part of a group called Breakfast Santa’s. The mission of the group is to spread some surprise joy during the holiday season.

I want to be clear about this – our way is NOT the only way! My hope would be that someone reading this says maybe I can find a group of friends and do this on a scale that works for us. The point is spreading the blessings!

Our group has some of the most amazing, giving people in it. Typically, we try to visit a few restaurants and spread the joy. Last year was tough with the pandemic and this year has still had its limitations. However, today a group assembled at a restaurant in Greene County for lunch (I know it’s not breakfast). Some members of our group couldn’t make it but sent contributions to the organizers through Venmo, check or other payment apps.


Those funds were collected, and placed in a gift bag. After our group ordered, enjoyed lunch and paid – the server was called over and given the gift bag – and told this group wanted to share a tip. The bag contained roughly $3000. The server, wearing a Santa tshirt that said “Believe” opened the bag and teared up. She said that this came at a perfect time.

It’s moments like this that remind you of the joys of the season! We have an amazing group of friends that are Breakfast Santa’s and you and your friends can do this too – in your own way!

Spread the joy!

Breakfast Santa’s

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Some days rolling through Facebook can be unnerving.  Then there are the days where something catches your eye.  You open the post, read the story and think – what a great idea!  Someone should do that. Well, recently there was a story just like that.  One of those stories that touch the heart.  It was the story about a group of friends that get together and go out to breakfast.  On the surface that may not sound so touching or special.  However, this group was different.  In this group each person was willing to make a $100.00 investment.  But an investment or breakfast?  Both! 

In this group once they arrive at the selected location – they each put their $100.00 in a gift bag or envelope.  They each order breakfast (everything on one check) – and then pay the bill out of that bag.  What is left is roughly $1500.00 which this group of Breakfast Santa’s gives to the server, as a tip. 

I read this and thought what an amazing idea in the true spirit of giving. 

So, unbeknownst to me, my friend Vicki had read the same article and posted the story with the message…” who’s in?” – I just had to be a part!  And so, the planning begins.  Where to go, how many will respond?  In our community, where we have suffered this year, there are plenty of places to go to make an impact where tornadoes have had a devastating effect.

Today was the day.  Seventeen Facebook acquaintances and friends converged on a local restaurant and made it happen.  There were two servers (one who was called in to cover a shift) and another.  Both gave excellent service.  Taking great care of us without ever knowing what was in store.  At the end of breakfast, the bill was paid, and the servers called over to the table.  They were presented with “the bag”.  Through teary eyes they realized this wasn’t a joke, but a gift. 

While our group set out to touch the lives of a server or two, and we did.  It was our lives that were touched.  We have been blessed and were able to be a blessing.  Through our tear-filled eyes, we hugged our servers wishing them a very Merry Christmas…and then we hugged each other, grateful for being a part of such amazing holiday fun.  Thanks for posting Vicki, and for being the kind of person that always finds ways to give back and help others.  Thanks for including all of us!