A boy regularly goes to a waffle house with his parents for breakfast. There he is repeatedly served by the same waiter and learns about his difficulties in paying for an apartment and a car. That leaves the eight-year-old no peace.
An 8-year-old boy in the US has raised more than $50,000 for his favorite waiter. Kayzen Hunter, from Arkansas, had befriended Devonte Gardner, who regularly served the boy’s family on their weekly breakfast trips to the local waffle house.
The boy describes the man as one of the “happiest and most positive people” he has ever met. It’s not that easy for Gardner. Because the waiter lives with his wife and two daughters in a motel room and walks to work every day. Their previous home was infested with rats and mold, causing the children to become ill.
After he had to move to the motel to escape those circumstances, the expenses became too much to handle, Gardner told local television station KTHV. Gardner asked if anyone knew where he could buy a cheap car – he had found it difficult to save up for one, the boy told the Washington Post. “All my tips and everything I get goes straight to my kids,” the waiter reported. “I pay for the room, daily, $60 a day,” but the expense eats up all income.
The eight-year-old’s family then set up a fundraising campaign to collect money for a car. “He always greets us with the biggest smile,” Kayzen’s mother, Vittoria Hunter, wrote on behalf of her son. “I hope your heart is as big as mine and you help me spread kindness to the world. Any amount helps!!”
Gofundme’s fundraising goal has been set at $5000. The sum should be enough to provide Gardner with a reliable vehicle. But the response was so overwhelming that it has now raised more than $50,000.
Gardner told KTHV the generosity shown to him and his family “almost made him cry.” “It’s just a blessing.” Kayzen and his parents also feel grateful. “It just feels good to help someone else,” said the boy after the overwhelming success.
(This article was first published on Friday, March 03, 2023.)
