8-Year-Old Boy Raises $100K to Come to the Rescue of a Server in Need

In a world where bad news seems to be the norm, heartwarming stories still remind us of the good in humanity. One such story involves an 8-year-old boy who knew he had to do something after finding out his server at his favorite diner was going through a rough patch in his life. This young boy’s kindness in action is proof that you are never too young to bring about a positive change and shine light onto someone else’s dark time.

Kayzen Hunter from Arkansas, along with his parents, have made it a tradition to have breakfast at their local diner every weekend. For the past year, they have requested to sit in the section of their favorite server, Devonte Gardner. The boy describes the server as “one of the most joyous and positive people” he’s ever met. “He always greets us with the biggest smile,” Hunter shared.

Vittoria Hunter, the boy’s mom, has noted that Kayzen gets a high-five from Gardner when they walk in the door, and the 2 of them joke around a lot. The little boy was impressed at how Gardner always remembered his order, which was the same every weekend. “Devonte always treats everyone with kindness, and he always knows exactly what I want: hash browns with cheese and eggs with cheese,” he said.

But during a recent visit with his grandfather, Hunter learned that Gardner had fallen on hard times. He discovered that his favorite server was walking to work every day, and his wife and 2 daughters were living in a motel room with no dependable means of transportation. The family’s previous home was infested with rats and black mold contamination, causing their kids to become sick.

As a result, the young boy had the idea to start a fundraiser with the help of his mother.

According to the little boy, the server had difficulty saving for a car and was seeking suggestions on where to buy an inexpensive one. In addition, after moving to the motel to escape the mold, expenses became overwhelming for the family, as all of the server’s tips and earnings went toward paying for the room. The family was struggling to pay for the motel expenses, and it became impossible to save up for a reliable vehicle.

The fundraiser aimed to raise $5,000 for the server to pay for a reliable vehicle and maybe cover the fees of a rental property, but it has now amassed more than $100,000. Gardner, the server, expressed his gratitude for the kindness shown to him and his family. “It almost made me cry,” Gardner said. “It just is a blessing... You know, I’m always counting my blessings, always.”

Hunter and his parents also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to assist someone in need and encouraged others to pay it forward without expecting anything in return. “It just feels good to help someone else,” the boy said.