The 8-Year-Old Who Raised Money For A Waffle House Worker

Numerous times in the past, kind civilians have come together to raise money for exceptional service workers. After serving his community for 27 years, Burger King employee Kevin Ford shared to TikTok his reward of a movie ticket, a Starbucks cup, and some candy given to him by managers as a "thank you." The internet wasn't impressed, as commenters believed the worker should have been given a greater reward. This caught the attention of David Spade, who gave a huge amount to the viral Burger King employee. At the time of writing, Ford's GoFundMe, which was set up by his daughter, has received more than $400,000.

Another GoFundMe incentive raised $4,000 for then 60-year-old Lisa Bateman, who was walking daily to her job at the restaurant chain, WFMZ reported in 2021. "I just look at it this way, just like I told my manager, as long as my little legs can take me, I'm going to do it, I'm going to work," Bateman said. Generous customers had another idea though; when they raised enough money, they purchased her a car to surprise her after her shift.

It's always special when customers donate to their beloved fast food employees, but it may have been even more extraordinary when a young fan decided to lend a hand to a Waffle House worker.

An 8-year-old Waffle House regular has raised money for his favorite server at a Little Rock, Arkansas store, per 13WTHR. To the child, Kayzen Hunter, Waffle House employee Devonte Gardner isn't just a waiter, but a friend. "Devonte is just a really nice person. Really good guy. Super nice to everyone he meets," Hunter said. Unfortunately, Gardner had fallen on hard times after mold at his apartment forced him to move his daughters into a hotel. "All my tips and everything that I get to go straight to my kids, I pay for the room daily pay $60 a day and it's just eating my pocket alive," he explained.

After hearing his story, Hunter set up a GoFundMe to help the man purchase a car. As of now, the fundraiser has racked up more than $62,000, which Gardner admitted "made [him] almost cry." The GoFundMe, written by Hunter, read in part "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," he continued by calling Gardner a "hard-working dad" and "one of the most joyous and positive people you've ever met."

Hunter was thrilled by the campaign's success. "It just feels good to help someone else," he said. Hopefully, this will be more than enough to buy a car and help Gardner get back on his feet.