NEW YORK: Armando Markaj, a waiter at Patsy’s restaurant in East Harlem, has returned a check worth nearly $424,000. The check belonged to a retired social worker who left it at the restaurant.

Markaj ran outside to search the customer, but the customer was already out of sight. When the waiter opened the envelope, he got a shock after discovering the check with a hefty amount.

A “relieved” Karen Vinacour was reunited with her check on Wednesday. It contained proceeds from her apartment sale, earmarked for a down payment on a new home.

Vinacour had not tipped the waiter after her meal. Markaj, who’s working his way through school, did accept Vinacour’s apology and gratitude and said he’s “happy for her.” (Agencies)