Today we’d like to introduce you to Ke’yia Burnett
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello everyone! I am so excited to share with you about Cam Cares, a foundation that means the world to me. It was born out of love, loss, and deep desire to carry on the legacy of my brother, Cameron Burnett, who passed away in 2019.
Cam was more than just my brother—he was a scholar, a mentor, and a servant leader who gave selflessly to his community. Raised in Memphis, TN
and graduated from Germantown High School and received his BA from UT Knoxville, Cameron built a career at the Department of Human Services, where he worked alongside with his friend, Micheal McKinzie, together they worked passionately to help displaced youth find stability and hope. But his work didn’t stop when he left the office, Cam’s love for people was in everything he did.
He was that guy who would quietly pay for the groceries of the person behind him in line, slipping the cashier the money before anyone could notice. The one who didn’t just give a meal to a homeless man but sat with him, talked with him, saw him as a person. I will never forget watching him on Facebook pour a huge bucket of ice on his head to bring awareness to ASL. He participated in every awareness challenge on social media, not because it was trendy, but because he believed in using his voice for good. He was a relatable guy with a friendly smile and got along with everyone. He mentored young men, invested in future leaders, and lived his faith out loud, sharing God’s word with anyone willing to listen and even those who weren’t.
These are the moments that defined him. And these are the moments that made me realize his legacy couldn’t end with his passing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Grief is a beast, and when I lost my brother, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever find the strength to make Cam Cares a reality. It wasn’t just about starting a nonprofit, it was about carrying on his legacy, and that felt heavy. I wanted to do it justice, but honestly? There were times I didn’t know if I could.
The truth is, Cam Cares wouldn’t be here without my people. Elliott Smith, one of my brother’s friends and Co-Founder, stepped in from the very beginning, helping me turn my pain into purpose.
And then there’s our board, but let me be clear, these aren’t just names on a list. Chris Hardy, Robert Gardner, Tommy Willis, Justin A. Tate, Erica Shotwell, Syleena Jones, Paige Cage, and LeJoya Roy, these are our friends, this is our family. They believed in this vision even if I struggled to. And beyond them, there are so many others who lifted me up and, in turn, lifted Cam Cares. This is bigger than me and Cameron this is community, this is love, this is family. That’s what makes it real. That’s what makes it special. And that’s why, despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing. Cam Cares didn’t start with a business plan or a big announcement. It started with me, crying on my apartment floor, grieving my brother, trying to make sense of life without him. But I knew deep in my heart that his work wasn’t finished. For years, the idea of Cam Cares remained unfinished-four years, to be exact—until God said, “Move.” And when He did, we stepped out in faith. Together, we took the vision that was planted in my heart and built what you see today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Cam Cares is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement, a commitment to serving, uplifting, and empowering the Memphis community. Our mission is to help underserved youth, particularly those in K-12 public schools, by focusing on four key areas:
Serving the Community – Providing essential resources to families in need.
Education, Career & Entrepreneurship Development – Ensuring students graduate and have career opportunities.
Leadership Development – Mentoring young men and women to become future leaders.
Encouraging Self-Perseverance – Offering mental health support, second-chance programs, and guidance for those facing adversity.
What sets us apart is our ability to connect with our community in a way that embodies who Cam was—real, relatable, and deeply invested in people. We’re not just an organization; we’re a family. We meet people where they are, on a human level, with no judgment—just love, laughter, and a shared commitment to lifting each other up. Whether it’s through a heartfelt conversation, a community event that brings people together, or simply showing up for someone in need, we create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
We’re known for making an impact that feels personal—because it is. Cam was the kind of person who could walk into a room and make everyone feel like family. That spirit is woven into everything we do, from mentoring youth to rallying the community for a cause. We keep things real, fun, and meaningful, understanding that sometimes a moment of laughter can be just as powerful as a moment of deep reflection.
In April 2024, in honor of Cam’s birthday (4/3), we officially launched Cam Cares with our first fundraiser in partnership with Mid-South Food Bank and Civil Axe, along with Fox 13 Memphis and DHS. We raised awareness, funds, and essential resources for families in need—including food and toy donations—ensuring that our work is not just about charity but about real, lasting change.
Cam’s legacy lives on through every act of kindness, every young person we mentor, every family we help. Because being blessed means being a blessing. Because we are, and always will be, our brother’s and sister’s keeper.
What are your plans for the future?
This year, we’re gearing up for our 2nd Annual Cam Cares Fundraiser in April 2025, and we’re excited to expand our impact even further. Our goal is to not only raise funds but to bring people together, strengthen our community, and create lasting change for the youth and families we serve.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring new initiatives that address the most pressing needs in Memphis, and we want to hear from our community. Your voices matter, and your input will help shape the programs and resources we provide.
We’re also making April a permanent month of giving and awareness in Cam’s honor—dedicating this time each year to uplifting local organizations, supporting underserved communities, and carrying on Cam’s legacy of love, leadership, and service.
We’d love for you to be a part of this journey! Reach out to us at camcares901@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thecamcaresfoundation to stay connected, get involved, and help us make a difference.
Together, we can continue to build something meaningful—because when we lift each other up, we all rise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thecamcaresfoundation
