A Speciality Inn waitress was given a $20,000 tip from the Visitor Industry Partnership on Saturday night, for being the best of the Island's hospitality industry.

Vina Ann Outerbridge won the Tourism Minister's “Best of the Best” award which included a $20,000 advancement from the Bank of Butterfield.

“I was very, very happy and excited,” Mrs. Outerbridge said yesterday. “I broke down and cried I was so surprised. I will leave the $20,000 in the bank, as an investment. You don't miss what you don't have in your hand.”

She said she danced all the way up to the stage to collect her prize - “I couldn't stop jigging.”

Repeat visitors regularly come to the restaurant to see her - including Thomas and Peggy Curran from New Jersey, who flew down for Saturday's presentation. Mrs. Outerbridge was also nominated for a VIP Award in 2004.

“It's nice to be nice to tourists,” she said. “Some are really friendly. I ask them where they are from and if it is their first time in Bermuda. I might forget them but they remember me.”

She said she would have worked at Speciality Inn for 18 years this coming August.

But she has been a waitress “off and on” for the last 41 years at Island institutions like Mannie's, Buckaroo, Arcade Restaurant and Horse and Buggy.

She said it felt good to know people appreciated and recognised her work.

VIP also presented Mrs. Outerbridge with a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as a certificate and medallion.

And her employers, Giovanna Easton and Peter DiVulo also presented her with a bouquet of a flowers and a cheque, she said.

She has even served a famous star, Clint Eastwood, and a former US President.

President Jimmy Carter's son Jack Carter worked at the Bank of Bermuda for seven years and was a regular at Speciality Inn.

“One day he surprised me and brought his father Jimmy Carter,” she said. “He sent me a book he wrote on his life. I still have it.

“Clint was nice, but kind of shy,” she said. “His wife was very friendly.”

She said she waited on him without even recognising he was an Oscar-winner.

After another waitress revealed the identity of Mr. Eastwood, she tore off one of her cheque stubs in order to get an autograph.

“He was very conservative and really tall,” she said.

She said the secret to her success was being a people person. “I love to talk and meet new people,” she said. “When the kids come into the restaurant, I give them hugs and kisses.

“They are like my grandchildren.

“I want to thank my present boss, my old bosses Johnny and Anna Trojan, my family, my friends and above all my customers.”