Rhode Island Town Raises $900 for Robbed Autistic Barista

Michael Coyne was devastated when someone stole the $20 tip jar from his coffee shop counter. For the autistic barista who knows most of his customers by name, the theft felt deeply personal.

Michael runs Red White and Brew in Warwick, Rhode Island, a coffee shop his adoptive mother Sheila opened with her retirement savings. She wanted to create fulfilling employment for her son, who has autism, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.

The shop employs workers with mental disabilities and sells products made by people in the disability community. After moving to a larger location, the business currently operates at a loss, making Michael's tips his only source of spending money.

When the Warwick Police Chief heard about the theft, he immediately brought materials for a new tip jar with a lid and promised to investigate. Sheila posted a video on Facebook warning the community about the incident.

The response was instant and overwhelming. Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi shared the video, writing that Michael wasn't upset about the money but hurt by the betrayal.

Sunny's Take

The next day, customers streamed into Red White and Brew, each person leaving a tip. One woman handed Michael $100 and told him her own son has autism, and that seeing Michael work inspires her to believe her son can have a fulfilling career too.

The donations kept coming. Over two days, the community left $900 in Michael's new tip jar, turning a moment of cruelty into an outpouring of kindness.

"It was truly just one person after another, leading with such kindness and grace that it renewed my love for humans and humanity," Sheila said.

Michael said the gesture left him speechless.