A Child Learned His Favorite Waiter Was Struggling. He Raised $30,000 for Him.
Every Saturday morning, eight-year-old Kayzen Hunter and his family had a tradition: breakfast at their local Waffle House in Little Rock, Arkansas. For Kayzen, the highlight wasn’t just the cheesy hash browns or scrambled eggs—it was the high-five and warm smile he’d get from Devonte Gardner, his favorite waiter. Their connection was more than just a friendly exchange; it was a bond built on kindness and joy.
But one weekend, a simple conversation over breakfast revealed a side of Devonte’s life that Kayzen had never seen. Devonte, who always greeted everyone with positivity, was quietly facing hardships. He lived in a motel with his wife and two young daughters, struggling to make ends meet after their previous apartment became unlivable. For most kids, this might be a passing moment of sadness—but not for Kayzen. He saw an opportunity to help his friend and decided to take action in a way that would inspire an entire community.
How Kayzen Discovered Devonte’s Quiet Struggles
On one of their usual visits to the Waffle House, Kayzen and his grandfather, John Donofrio, struck up a deeper conversation with Devonte. They had always known him as the cheerful, hardworking waiter who made everyone feel welcome. But as they talked that day, they learned that Devonte’s life outside the restaurant was far from easy.
Devonte shared that he had been walking several miles to and from work every day because he didn’t have a car. Even more heartbreaking, he revealed that he, his wife, and their two young daughters had been living in a single motel room for months. They had left their previous apartment because it was infested with rats and black mold, which was making his family sick. Despite all this, Devonte showed up to work every day with a smile, determined to do his best.
Hearing this was an eye-opener for Kayzen. The person he admired so much was quietly enduring incredible challenges, and yet he never let it show. For Kayzen, this wasn’t something to just feel bad about—it was a call to action.
Kayzen’s Big Idea: Starting the GoFundMe
Kayzen couldn’t stop thinking about what he had learned. Devonte, the waiter who always greeted him with warmth and kindness, was walking miles to work and living in a cramped motel with his family. For an 8-year-old, this wasn’t something he could just shrug off. He had to do something.
With determination in his voice, Kayzen went to his mom, Vittoria, and made his case: “We have to help Devonte. Let’s start a GoFundMe!” At first, she thought it was just a passing idea, but Kayzen didn’t back down. His persistence finally convinced her, and together, they set up the fundraiser. Kayzen personally wrote the campaign description, pouring his heart into it.
“Hi, my name is Kayzen, and I’m 8 years old,” the page began. “I want to help my friend Devonte. He’s a hard-working dad with two little girls and a wife. He doesn’t have a car and had to move his family out of their apartment because it wasn’t safe. Please help me help him!”
Their initial goal was modest—$5,000 for a car and better housing for Devonte’s family. But as soon as the page went live, it became clear that Kayzen’s message resonated far beyond what anyone had expected.
A Community Rallies Together
View this post on Instagram
What started as a simple idea turned into something extraordinary. Kayzen’s GoFundMe campaign didn’t just tug at heartstrings—it inspired people to act. Donations began pouring in, not only from friends and neighbors but from complete strangers who were moved by an 8-year-old’s determination to make a difference. The original goal of $5,000 was quickly reached, but the kindness didn’t stop there.
By the end, the campaign raised over $100,000—more than Kayzen or his family ever imagined. The response was overwhelming, with donors leaving messages about how much Devonte’s story, and Kayzen’s compassion, had touched them. “This boy has the kind of heart we need more of in this world,” one donor shared. Another said, “Devonte deserves this, and it’s beautiful to see people coming together to help.”
The money helped Devonte buy a reliable car and move his family into a safe, clean apartment—a place where his two little girls could finally feel at home. For Devonte, the generosity was almost too much to take in. “I’ve always tried to keep a positive outlook, no matter what,” he said. “But for Kayzen to do this for me? For my family? It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Devonte’s Reaction and Gratitude
When Devonte Gardner learned about the GoFundMe campaign initiated by his young friend, Kayzen Hunter, he was overwhelmed with emotion. “I started crying — I’d been quietly struggling and didn’t want to ask anybody for anything,” he shared, highlighting the depth of his gratitude and surprise at the community’s generosity.
The substantial funds raised not only provided immediate relief but also offered a renewed sense of hope for Gardner and his family. He expressed his appreciation for the support, stating, “I love working at Waffle House because I have an opportunity to make people feel good every day. I love the people who come in, especially Kayzen. For this little guy to do this out of the kindness of his heart is really humbling.”
This outpouring of support underscores the profound impact that community solidarity can have on individuals facing hardships. Studies have shown that social support is a critical factor in resilience and recovery during challenging times. In this case, the collective kindness extended to Gardner not only alleviated his immediate financial burdens but also reinforced the importance of empathy and communal care.
Why Kayzen’s Story Matters Today
Kayzen’s story isn’t just heartwarming—it’s a reflection of larger challenges faced by many families across the country. Devonte’s struggles with housing and transportation highlight issues that millions of hardworking individuals face daily. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, over 10 million low-income renters spend more than half their income on housing, leaving little room for other necessities like reliable transportation.
What makes Kayzen’s actions stand out is how they cut through the noise of these overwhelming problems. He saw a need, took a simple but meaningful step, and rallied others to make a difference. His story reminds us that even when larger systems fail, individuals and communities have the power to step in and create change.
By focusing on the humanity of these challenges—rather than just statistics—Kayzen’s campaign offered a rare glimpse of hope. It’s a reminder that real change often starts with compassion, no matter how young or old the person behind it.
Kayzen’s Legacy of Kindness
Kayzen’s act of kindness didn’t just change Devonte’s life—it left a lasting impression on everyone who heard the story. At just 8 years old, he showed how one small idea, driven by empathy, could inspire an entire community. It wasn’t about the size of the gesture but the heart behind it.
For Devonte, the impact was life-changing. He now had reliable transportation and a safe home for his family, a fresh start that allowed him to focus on building a better future. But beyond the practical help, it was the love and support from the community that meant the most. “Kayzen’s not just a customer anymore—he’s family,” Devonte said. “He’ll always be my little buddy.”
The story of Kayzen and Devonte is a reminder that compassion knows no age limit. Even the smallest hands can make a big difference when they’re guided by a generous heart. And for the people of Little Rock—and far beyond—this young boy’s actions became a symbol of hope and a call to pay kindness forward.