Dying Man’s Tip Inspires Charity

As Seth Collins finished his penne pasta at a Lexington restaurant, he called over the waitress to fulfill his brother’s dying wish. He explained to her that his 30-year-old brother Aaron recently passed away, but that he’d left instructions in his will to leave a $500 tip for a server. Then Seth Collins handed the waitress a stack of $20 bills. The waitress, Chelsea Powell, took the money reluctantly and then smiled and said: “Are you kidding me?” She laughed nervously and had to cover her mouth from the excitement before giving Collins a hug/ Associated Press . More here.

Question: I try to tip between 17% to 20%, even if the service is so-so. Tipping is important for the hard-working waiters and waitresses who serve you, especially in this economy. How much do you usually tip? What determines the size of your tip?