Every weekend, young Kayzen Hunter and his family visit their local Waffle House, where a familiar face always greets them with a warm smile and a high-five. For eight-year-old Kayzen, breakfast isn’t complete without sitting in his favorite waiter’s section. But one day, a casual conversation revealed that his friend, Devonte, was quietly facing challenges no one expected. Living with his family in a motel and struggling to make ends meet, Devonte’s story moved Kayzen in a way that few would imagine.
Rather than simply feeling bad for his friend, Kayzen decided to act—and what happened next is a testament to the impact that even the smallest gestures can have. What started as a modest idea to help turned into something far greater, rallying an entire community and changing Devonte’s life in ways no one could have anticipated.
A Special Friendship at Waffle House
Every weekend, the Hunter family frequented their local Waffle House in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they consistently chose to sit in the section of their favorite waiter, Devonte Gardner. Devonte’s warm demeanor and attentive service quickly endeared him to the family, especially to eight-year-old Kayzen Hunter. The bond between Kayzen and Devonte was evident in their interactions; upon arrival, Kayzen would receive a high-five from Devonte, and the two would share jokes and laughter throughout the meal. Kayzen was particularly impressed by Devonte’s ability to remember his regular order: hash browns with cheese and eggs with cheese. Reflecting on their friendship, Kayzen noted, “Devonte always treats everyone with kindness, and he always knows exactly what I want.”
This connection between a young customer and his waiter highlights the profound impact that consistent, positive social interactions can have on individuals. Studies have shown that regular social engagement, even in brief encounters, can significantly enhance one’s sense of belonging and overall well-being. For instance, research published in the journal *Social Psychological and Personality Science* found that even minimal social interactions with familiar individuals, such as service workers, can contribute to a person’s happiness and sense of community.
Discovering Devonte’s Struggles
During one of their regular visits to the Waffle House, Kayzen Hunter and his grandfather, John Donofrio, engaged in a deeper conversation with their favorite waiter, Devonte Gardner. In this candid exchange, Devonte revealed the challenges he was facing. He mentioned his search for an affordable car, explaining that he had been walking several miles to and from work each day. This revelation was just the beginning. Devonte shared that he, his wife, and their two young daughters had been living in a motel room for the past eight months. They had been forced to leave their previous apartment due to severe infestations of rats and contamination from black mold, which had adversely affected their health.
This conversation was eye-opening for Kayzen. He had always seen Devonte as a cheerful and kind individual, unaware of the hardships he was enduring behind the scenes. The realization that his friend was facing such significant challenges deeply affected him. Determined to make a difference, Kayzen approached his mother, Vittoria, with a heartfelt plea: “We have to start a GoFundMe and help Devonte get a car.” His mother recalled, “He didn’t give up on it. He’s a kid with a big heart.”
This situation underscores the prevalence of housing instability and its impact on families. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, millions of Americans face housing challenges, with many living in substandard conditions due to financial constraints. The Gardners’ experience is a poignant example of how unforeseen circumstances can lead to significant hardships, even for those who work diligently to provide for their families.
The Decision to Help: Launching the GoFundMe Campaign
Moved by Devonte’s hardships, 8-year-old Kayzen Hunter was determined to make a difference. He persistently urged his mother, Vittoria, to initiate a GoFundMe campaign to assist their favorite Waffle House waiter. “He kept saying, ‘We have to start a GoFundMe and help Devonte get a car,'” Vittoria recalled. “He didn’t give up on it. He’s a kid with a big heart.”
On February 18, 2023, with his mother’s support, Kayzen set up the GoFundMe page titled “Help Devonte get a family car,” aiming to raise $5,000. In the campaign description, Kayzen wrote:
“Hi, my name is Kayzen, I am 8 years old. I am wanting to raise funds for my friend, Devonte, who I met and have come to know from eating breakfast at Waffle House. Devonte is a hard-working dad with two little girls and a wife. He is a dedicated worker and has to walk or get a ride to get to work every day. He was looking for a decent priced car, and his family was unfortunate and ended up in an apartment riddled with black mold. He had to get his kids out and it set him back a lot.”
“We are now helping him get into a clean rental property and want to help him even more by raising funds so he has a reliable vehicle to drive his family and get to and from work. Devonte is one of the most joyous and positive people you’ve ever met!! He always greets us with the biggest smile. I hope your heart is as BIG as mine and you will help me spread kindness in the world. Any amount helps!!”
The campaign’s initial goal was modest, reflecting the Hunter family’s hope to provide Devonte with a reliable means of transportation. However, the sincerity of Kayzen’s message resonated with many, leading to an outpouring of support that far exceeded their expectations.
A Community Rallies Together
The GoFundMe campaign initiated by young Kayzen Hunter quickly gained momentum, capturing the hearts of many within the Little Rock community and beyond. Initially set with a modest goal of $5,000, the fundraiser’s heartfelt narrative resonated deeply, leading to an overwhelming influx of donations. As of March 4, 2023, the campaign had amassed over $83,000, far surpassing its original target.
Contributors to the campaign were not only moved by Devonte’s story but also by Kayzen’s genuine compassion and initiative. One donor commented, “This guy is ALWAYS in a good mood and a hard worker!” Another shared, “I’ve experienced what [Devonte] is experiencing and I love it that he continues to spread joy despite his struggles.”
The widespread support underscores the power of community and collective action in addressing individual hardships. Research indicates that community-driven crowdfunding efforts can significantly alleviate financial burdens for individuals facing economic challenges. In this instance, the community’s generosity not only provided immediate relief for Devonte and his family but also highlighted the profound impact of empathy and solidarity.
Devonte expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “I started crying — I’d been quietly struggling and didn’t want to ask anybody for anything.” He further shared, “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.”
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.
Impact Beyond the Goal
The GoFundMe campaign initiated by 8-year-old Kayzen Hunter for his favorite Waffle House waiter, Devonte Gardner, had a profound impact that extended well beyond its initial financial goal. Originally aiming to raise $5,000 to assist Gardner in purchasing a car, the campaign resonated deeply with the community and beyond, ultimately amassing over $100,000.
This overwhelming support enabled Gardner not only to acquire reliable transportation but also to secure stable housing for his family. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I will be moving into my apartment very soon. We’re able to have something more stable.”
The ripple effect of this act of kindness extended beyond Gardner’s immediate circumstances. The story garnered national attention, inspiring others to engage in acts of generosity within their own communities. Such narratives highlight the significant role that community support and individual actions can play in addressing systemic issues like housing instability and financial hardship.
The campaign’s success underscores the potential for individual actions to catalyze broader social change, encouraging others to recognize and act upon the needs within their own communities. As Gardner aptly noted, “I’m really touched deeply by it all. And as far as my little buddy goes, he’s my best friend for life.”
A Legacy of Kindness
Kayzen Hunter’s act of kindness not only helped his friend Devonte Gardner in the short term but also created a lasting impact that extends far beyond their story. Through a single GoFundMe campaign, one child’s determination and empathy mobilized an entire community, transforming a family’s life and inspiring countless others. Devonte, who has always aimed to spread positivity at work, found himself on the receiving end of it, reminding us all of the profound influence kindness can have.
This story highlights the power of human connection and the importance of supporting one another through life’s hardships. Kayzen’s compassion serves as an enduring example of how anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference. For Devonte and his family, this generosity offered a fresh start, a safe home, and a foundation to build a better future. It’s a testament to how small gestures can lead to remarkable changes, sparking hope and kindness in everyone who hears the story.