Ellen DeGeneres Rewards Waitress Who Paid Soldiers' Tab During Shutdown With $10,000
October 21, 2013
A New Hampshire waitress who picked up the lunch tab of two National Guard soldiers affected by the federal government's shutdown has been repaid — more than 300 times over — by television star Ellen DeGeneres.
Sarah Hoidahl, a waitress in Concord, N.H., just wanted to do a nice thing for the soldiers, so she recently picked up their lunch tab. It cost her $27.75.
On Friday, DeGeneres squared the tab and then some, giving Hoidahl $27.75 in cash and a check for $10,000.
An emotional Hoidahl buried her face in her hands and thanked DeGeneres as the talk show host repeated "You're a good person."
DeGeneres caught wind of Hoidahl's act of kindness when the New Hampshire National Guard posted a picture on its Facebook page. The story spread quickly online, producers saw it and invited Hoidahl to Hollywood.

Ellen also gave her a 50-inch television.
Dogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious
She Was Feeling Low On Confidence, So Her Classmates Covered Her Desk In Sticky Notes
This Baby Giraffe Named Eugene Was Born With The Most Hilarious Tuft Of Hair You’ve Ever Seen
It Looks Like Her 2-Year-Old Ruined Her Doll — But Then Mom Shows Why It’s Perfect
On February 28, A Rare Planetary Parade Will Appear In The Evening Sky
Man Discovers Rare Mammoth Bone In Missouri
Man Helps Distressed Swan Find Her Way Back To The River
This Father-Daughter Game Ends With Everyone In Tears
'These Are From Dad': Before He Died, He Asked His Daughter To Do This For Her Mom Every Year
This ‘Sloth-Like’ Lab Failed Guide Dog Training — And Found His True Calling
She Secretly Left Outfits For An Elderly Couple's Porch Goose… Then A Package Arrived That Left Her In Tears
