Random act of kindness: Stranger buys dinner for South Bend family of eight
On Friday night the Cloud Family was completely caught off guard when a total stranger offered to pay for their dinner at Taphouse on the Edge.
"This gentleman stops by, taps me on the right shoulder, and I look over there and he's at my left shoulder and he says hey dad, I love your family, dinner's on me and left this card, it had 200 dollars on it and was out the door before I could realize what was going on," said Matthew Cloud, the father. “I was just really shocked, normally I have a lot to say and I was really sitting there looking around going really is this happening to us because it’s not something that normally happens.”
The family of eight, with six kids between the ages of 11 and 16, can often have a hard time juggling everything, so the gesture meant a lot.
"Just pure joy for us to be able to sit and relax and have a wonderful time and not have the bill that night, it was wonderful," said Nicole Cloud, the mother.
Nicole said she often tries to pick up the tab for police officers and first responders if they're in the drive thru behind her.
The kids are always busy with choir or at boy scouts, but mom and dad don't want them to lose sight of what really matters.
"It was a nice teaching moment for the kids that we're always telling them to do good deeds and to pay attention to other people in the neighborhood, say hello, have a friendly face, and when you can, be considerate and kind to someone," Nicole said. "To have that come back in full to us was a wonderful example to be able to have the children witness."
The Clouds would love to thank this stranger for his act of kindness.
"If you do see this you have our thanks, and thank you for making that a beautiful night for us," Matthew said.
If that gentleman sees this and is out there, the Clouds would like to meet you. Please contact our newsroom at 574-303-9628 or send an email to newsccenter16@wndu.com or jen.cardone@wndu.com.
