New York deli owner rewards kids with cash and snacks for good grades

A deli owner in New York City’s Staten Island is gaining national attention for rewarding students with cash, snacks and school supplies when they bring in strong report cards. The effort began as a simple bet but quickly grew into a viral academic motivation program.

Wail Alselwi, co‑owner of Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery and known online as “Island Ock,” said the Grades for Grabs program began with one student three years ago. He told NBC News that it started with Zameir Davis, whom he promised a milkshake and any item in the store if Davis returned with good grades. Davis did — and the moment spread online.

Wail Alselwi Reward: Cash, Snacks and School Supplies for High Marks

Now, thousands of students visit the deli to show their report cards and Alselwi documents the interactions on his TikTok. Many walk out with up to $100, along with snacks and school supplies. Alselwi says the rewards help motivate kids who need encouragement and give them a reason to stay focused.

Over the past three years, the program has grown steadily on social media. Videos of students celebrating their achievements have drawn millions of views. Parents often appear in the clips, explaining how the initiative encourages their children to work harder and stay engaged.

Social Media Pushes the Program Nationwide

Because the videos spread quickly, supporters across the country began donating to help keep the program going. A GoFundMe created for the initiative has raised more than $500,000, and continues to climb as the program expands.

Families now travel from all over the country and even Canada to participate. Alselwi says he hopes to take Grades for Grabs nationwide and bring the initiative to “every city in the United States,” not just New York.

A Mission Born From a Difficult Time

Alselwi said he launched the program during a dark period in his life. He credits his brother for motivating him to keep going. The initiative, he says, gave him purpose and helped him reconnect with his community.

As the program expanded, Alselwi also began giving away school supplies. He asked his TikTok followers for help and received thousands of boxes, which he distributed to students and teachers across Staten Island. He said he was grateful for the support and planned additional giveaways.

The program’s reach continues to grow. On TikTok, Alselwi has more than one million followers and millions of likes.

Alselwi says he wants every child to feel seen and supported — and he hopes the movement continues to grow.

“Education is the foundation of a brighter future, and every child deserves the motivation to strive for success”