RATHDRUM - Maria Schnepf couldn't believe the news delivered by the waitress.

Schnepf and 12 of her Lakeland High classmates had finished their prom dinner at Embers by the Lake, a woodfire artisan pizza restaurant on Hauser Lake, when waitress Anna Hammons informed the group that their meal had been paid for by an anonymous couple.

"We were all taken back by it," Schnepf said. "There were several people there who were specifically attentive to us. We definitely felt loved."

The students estimated that the total bill would have been around $300.

Hammons said the students then helped pay it forward by leaving her a "very generous" tip.

"There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world, but these amazing acts of kindness are a reminder that we live in a good place with good people," she said.

The experience involving the "anonymous angels" and students has drawn a huge response on the restaurant's Facebook page. As of Thursday, the post had 1,152 "likes" and 101 "shares."

"One of our very favorite couples witnessed the group, dressed so nicely, acting so respectfully and enjoying their special night," the post states. "They were so taken with it all, they secretly paid for the entire group."

Schnepf said the random act of kindness topped off an amazing night at Embers, which had already made the dinner special with decorations, a great atmosphere and amazing food. Embers also supports Lakeland High by providing a free dinner to its students of the month.

Trent Derrick was a chaperone at the prom and saw one of the students who had been at Embers when he arrived.

"The very first thing they told me was the awesome experience they had at Embers and that someone had paid for everyone's dinner," Derrick wrote on Facebook. "Thank you to whoever did this random act of kindness. I know it made an incredible impression on these young men and women."

Jane Hammons, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Chris, called it an "endlessly heartwarming" story.

"The whole thing just touched our hearts so much," she said. "The kids were amazing and our anonymous angels are extraordinary. I can't stop smiling about it."

The students said having their dinner bill paid even allowed for them to go to McDonald's after the prom.

Forest Zubaly said he'll never forget the act of kindness.

"It paved the way for a perfect night," he said.