Second Saturday Shout-out: Kayzen Hunter
This month, we are giving a shoutout to Kayzen Hunter, an 8 year-old boy from Little Rock, Arkansas, who managed to raise over $100k for a waiter at the Waffle House he regularly goes to.
Kayzen regularly goes to Waffle House with his family, including his parents, siblings, and sometimes with his grandpa. A year ago, he met Devonte Gardner, a waiter at the Waffle House, and they instantly formed a bond, with Kayzen even telling his mom about “how much he liked” Devonte.
Devonte stated that he enjoyed when Kayzen would come to the restaurant, stating that “every time he comes in, I always give him a high five because that’s what he expects.” Devonte even memorized Kayden’s usual order and the two would share jokes together while Devonte waited on the table.
As the family kept coming to the Waffle House every weekend, they began to always sit in Devonte’s section and got to know him better and learn about his family, which consisted of him, his wife Aissa, and young daughters, Jade and Amoura.
One week Kayzen and his grandpa learned how Devonte and the rest of his family were living out of a motel due to issues at their old apartment, including a rat and cockroach infestation, black mold, and no heat. Additionally, Kayzen learned that Devonte had to walk miles to get work everyday, as he could afford a car.
After hearing this, Kayzen went home and told his parents how he wanted to raise money for Devonte. His parents were supportive of the idea and set the GoFundMe at $5,000, enough money for Devonte to get a new car. The GoFundMe post went viral, and Kayzen proceeded to raise over $110,000 for Devonte (as of now). Kayzen, his mother Vittoria, and his father Korey, are all very excited and amazed at how much money people donated.
Devonte told TODAY.com that he was able to get a new apartment, is currently looking for a car, and will save the rest of the money for his daughters and their future. He says he’s thankful that Kayzen came into his life and that he has a very huge heart.
We at Citriclean have noticed a trend in a lot of our previous shoutouts regarding the fact that a lot of the acts of kindness are committed by kids and young adults. It brings us joy knowing that the younger generations are doing good in this world and helping others out, and we hope this trend continues as time goes on. We thank Kayzen and his family for helping out someone who truly needed it. We also would like to wish Devonte and his family the best of luck with their future endeavors!
Devonte Gardner working a shift at Waffle House
Devonte with his daughters, Jade and Amoura
Kayzen Hunter with his family, including his mother Vittoria and father Korey