{"id":20302,"date":"2024-11-19T10:49:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T15:49:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/?p=20302"},"modified":"2024-11-19T10:49:48","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T15:49:48","slug":"8-year-old-raises-100k-for-his-favorite-waffle-house-waiter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/2024\/11\/8-year-old-raises-100k-for-his-favorite-waffle-house-waiter.html","title":{"rendered":"8-Year-Old Raises $100k For His Favorite Waffle House Waiter After Learning He\u2019s Homeless"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vittoria Hunter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We all have that one spot where the food and the company make us feel right at home. For young Kayzen Hunter, that special place is a Waffle House in Arkansas. But it’s not just the waffles that keep him coming back\u2014it’s also his favorite waiter, Devonte Gardner.<\/p>\n

With every visit, Devonte greets Kayzen with a high five and shares in the joy of laughter through jokes. This simple gesture has forged a bond between them, and as Kayzen\u2019s mother, Vittoria Hunter, notes, Devonte has become a shining light in their lives.<\/p>\n

Over time, Kayzen\u2019s family learned about Devonte\u2019s personal challenges, including a difficult living situation. Devonte, his wife Aissa, and their young daughters, Jade and Amoura, were living in a motel due to unfit conditions in their previous apartment. The motel stay was costly, leaving them without resources for a reliable car or a stable home.<\/p>\n

Moved by his waiter’s situation, Kayzen approached his mother with the idea of starting a GoFundMe to assist Devonte and his family. Thanks to the outpouring of support, what began as a goal of $5,000 was quickly surpassed.<\/p>\n

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Kayzen shared why Devonte means so much to him. “Because he\u2019s really funny. He treats everyone with respect,” Kayzen said.<\/p>\n

Devonte fondly recalled the start of their friendship, saying, “Kayzen\u2019s a great guy. Ever since I met him, the first time he came to my Waffle House, we connected and bonded from right there.”<\/p>\n

Devonte’s reaction to the overwhelming financial support was one of shock and tears. “There are some good people in this world,” he said.<\/p>\n

Devonte also mentioned his commitment to Kayzen, promising to be there for all of Kayzen\u2019s graduations, whether from elementary school, middle school, high school, or college, to show his support.<\/p>\n

A small act of kindness, paired with some tasty food, can truly transform lives. As Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”<\/p>\n

In a world that often feels harsh, stories like Kayzen and Devonte’s remind us of the power of love and kindness.<\/p>\n