'Tips for Jesus' Donor Leaves $10,000 Gratuity in New Orleans

An unidentified Instagram user known as “Tips for Jesus” has gathered a social media following as he leaves large tips on restaurant bills and posts pictures of the receipt. Tips for Jesus most recently visited New Orleans, leaving $10,000 on a bill that was just over $9,000 -- that is almost a 110 percent tip. 

According to Christian Today, Tips for Jesus usually leaves anywhere between $500 and $10,000 on a bill. Sometimes, the receipt is stamped with #tipsforJesus, while other times the donor handwrites “God bless” and “Boom.” The Tips for Jesus receipts have cropped up in a few states, with most of the restaurants located in the San Francisco area. It is possible that multiple generous people have access to the mystery American Express card. 

A reporter from San Francisco magazine claims to have interviewed the anonymous giver in February, on the condition that his name would not be published. “It’s just about helping people out. It’s not hard to give back,” he said. The unidentified donor says that he hopes his giving sparks other to act kindly as well. 

While the generous person officially remains anonymous, some servers have claimed that former Paypal executive Jack Selby is behind the campaign.

Publication date: July 25, 2014