And now for the uplifting palate cleanser of the week.
In January, Twitchy told you about Michael Garcia, the Houston waiter who refused to serve a customer who insulted Milo Castillo, a five-year-old boy with Down syndrome. After he overheard the man say, “Special needs children need to be special somewhere else,” Garcia told him, “I’m sorry, I can’t serve you.”
Hero~>Michael Garcia , the waiter who refused service to ppl who complained about Milo eating in same restaurant. pic.twitter.com/QHHwjBnl
— Sassy (@sassylassee) February 6, 2013
The heartwarming story didn’t end there.
@KHOULily Nice follow-up story on the waiter & special needs boy! Great way to start my day. Pls tell your producer "THUMBS UP".
— Sandie Philips (@sandyspiritwind) February 7, 2013
Garcia’s story lit up social media and letters, money and gifts poured in from all over the world, including “a box with Star Wars t-shirts and toys … with a handwritten note from Lucas Films.” Garcia says all of it is going to Milo and his classmates at the Rise School of Houston, a school that serves children with and without developmental disabilities.
“I couldn’t keep one penny of it,” Garcia explained. “It wouldn’t be right. I’ve really taken a look at myself and it’s really changed me.”
Garcia presented gift cards and a check for $1,145 to the school, and the students honored their hero with a celebration.
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this brought tears to my eyes! #Houston waiter honored for helping special needs child http://t.co/3muQASFW
— karanolson (@karanolsoncnn) February 8, 2013
Awesome story:) Waiter who stood up for special needs child called a hero. http://t.co/BgTjAZaL via @mySA
— Kathleen Petty (@kmpetty) February 8, 2013
https://twitter.com/PhilipCortezTX/status/300281595473039360
https://twitter.com/mtgaspard/status/299572119761735680
https://twitter.com/Laurenzos4412/status/299283672308281345
https://twitter.com/Laurenzos4412/status/299283956665315329
What’s next for Garcia? He’s still working at Laurenzo’s restaurant and says he’d like to volunteer at the Rise School.
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