Patrons give waiter $5,000 for new car

HOUSTON, May 30 (UPI) -- A Houston waiter said a couple he has been serving for eight years left him a $5,000 tip after his car was ruined by high water.

Greg Rubar, who has worked as a waiter at D'Amicos Italian Cafe for the past 16 years, said he had previously mentioned his car problem to the couple and they came into the restaurant while he was working Saturday and handed him an envelope containing $5,000, KTRK-TV, Houston, reported Wednesday.

"They just came in and gave me money to buy a car, told me to go buy a car with it," Rubar said.

"I didn't even look at it. I was hesitant about it, but he said, 'No you take it and buy you a car!'" Rubar said. "People can be generous, you know? They told me they felt like I deserved this."

Rubar said he has not seen the customers, who wished to remain anonymous, since they gave him the gift, but he has a message for them.

"Thank you very, very much. I mean I did need it and I'm gonna buy a car with it; that's what that money's gonna go to -- every cent," he said.