The relationship between the Kansas City Chiefs and their unwavering fanbase is something special. It was certainly on full display two months ago when the franchise hoisted the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in 50 years, but now amidst these challenging times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, that bond appears even stronger.
The Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation made a Founding Level contribution to the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund this week, which supports our community and local agencies who are providing essential services to those in need during this crisis. Additionally, the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation made a donation to Cornerstones of Care – the current Charity Game partner – so that they can continue their critical work keeping children safe and families together by providing prevention, treatment and support services.
Cornerstones of Care is accepting contributions from the general public as well, and for every $10 donated, the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation will match it. Those funds will provide a day of meals for a child sheltering in place at one of the organization's residential care facilities, purchase elevated safety equipment for staff or gift a child a game or puzzle during this challenging time in their lives.
To donate to Cornerstones of Care, click here.
The franchise and the Hunt Family Foundation are also matching all player contributions to Harvesters – the Community Food Network during the crisis, which began last week. Chiefs' wide receiver Tyreek Hill was the first to announce that he was donating 6,000 meals to those in need in partnership with Harvesters, and he wasn't interested in stopping there.
Hill also challenged his teammates and those who are able in the community to join his effort, and it didn't take long for others to jump on board. Tight end Travis Kelce responded less than 24 hours later with a pledge to not only match Hill's donation to Harvesters, but to also provide Operation Breakthrough – which provides a safe, loving and educational environment for children while empowering their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education – with food and supplies for the next 15 weeks to keep their services up and running.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes then chimed in a little bit later, announcing he was donating an additional 15,000 meals to Harvesters and another $100,000 through his foundation to organizations in Kansas City affected by the crisis.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu also joined in last Friday, announcing that he was pledging 30,000 meals to families in need.
"In an effort to help ease the burden and anxiety in this unpredictable time, I am committed in joining my teammates by donating 30,000 meals to the families in need," said Mathieu in a press release. "It's so important that everyone protect themselves, their loved ones and give back during this challenging time. I urge everyone to remain informed and remember that we are stronger together."
And in addition to the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation matching all player donations, Head Coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach also contributed to the effort as each made an additional donation themselves.
These contributions are invaluable, equipping Harvesters and its network of agencies with the means to further support food-insecure families throughout Chiefs Kingdom during these uncertain times.
Help is on the way from others outside of the current locker room, too. Pro Football Hall of Famer Will Shields – who spent his entire career with Kansas City from 1993 to 2006 – donated 96,000 meals last week and the Kansas City Ambassadors also got involved with a donation to Operation Breakthrough.
It all represents a committed effort to combat an unprecedented challenge, but if the last several days are any indication, our local community is in this together.
