Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Food

'No Tip' Server Finally Refunding Some Of Those Donations


By

Ben Yakas

Published Dec 7, 2013

Modified Dec 7, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Dayna Morales talks to WABC 7

 


By

Ben Yakas

Published Dec 7, 2013

Modified Dec 7, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

A month ago, waitress Dayna Morales jumped into the public eye after she stood up to a bigoted customer who denied her a tip because she is gay. She received an outpouring of tips from supporters around the country, and promised to donate them to the Wounded Warriors Project. Then it came out that she lied about the incident and lots of other things, and hadn't donated anything to Wounded Warriors. NBC reports that finally, some of those donations have been refunded.

At least three people who sent money to a PayPal account set up in Morales' name say their electronic donations were refunded this week. Brittney Stilgenbauer of Tuscon, Ariz, who encouraged Morales via Facebook to make the PayPal account, told them, "I felt awful for her, and I thought it would be great if people could come together and donate a dollar each and make up for her tip that she lost." More people chimed in on Facebook that they received refunds as well.

However, at least one man who mailed cash to Morales at the restaurant said he has not gotten the money back. Stilgenbauer hopes Morales will "return all the funds," adding "hopefully her heart was in the right place and she's sorry." Morales has been suspended from her job at Gallop Asian Bistro as they continue to investigate.

Tagged

dayna morales

gallop asian bistro

lying

no tip

no tip scandal

veterans

wounded warriors project


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE food

Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability

Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.

By

Samantha Dady

Published Oct 26, 2026


Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg

Food

Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg


North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

By

Robert Sietsema

10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City

By

Robert Sietsema

Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .