KANSAS CITY, Mo. – This afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs revealed members of Chiefs Kingdom across Kansas City and around the world raised $1 million for Ronald McDonald House Kansas City during the 35th annual Red Friday tradition.
Members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team, including RB Kenneth Walker, WR Jalen Royals, and Vice President of Community Impact and Civic Affairs Anne Scharf, visited Ronald McDonald House Kansas City to meet with youth and families staying at the House, participating in an afternoon filled with Halloween-themed arts and crafts. Afterward, the Chiefs and families in attendance unveiled the final $1 million donation, raised from flag sales and the Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 Raffle during the team's season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14.
With this year's donation, more than $8.5 million has been raised over the past 14 years to directly assist Ronald McDonald House Kansas City as they reduce the burden of childhood illness on children and their families by providing a "home away from home" while the children are receiving medical care in Kansas City-area hospitals. For more information on Ronald McDonald House Kansas City, please visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhousekc.org.
"To see Chiefs Kingdom come together year after year, rain or shine, to raise $1 million for our families is simply extraordinary," said Tami Greenberg, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Kansas City. "When a family is going through the toughest fight of their lives, knowing an entire city is standing behind them brings a comfort that goes far beyond words. We cannot thank the fans, volunteers, and the entire Chiefs organization enough for wrapping arms of support around our families during their hardest days."
On the morning of Thursday, Sept. 10, members of Chiefs Kingdom showed up at McDonald's locations and Hy-Vee stores across the Kansas City region despite intense weather, purchasing limited-edition flags for a $5 donation, which have directly benefited children and families of Ronald McDonald House Kansas City for the past 13 years. The flags, which featured Head Coach Andy Reid's signature catchphrase "How 'bout those Chiefs," were also sold online for a $10 donation, domestically and internationally, for the 10th year in a row. The tradition, which is normally celebrated as Red Friday, was celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 10, this year in wake of the 25th anniversary of the tragedies that took place on Sept. 11, 2001.
"We are incredibly grateful to Chiefs Kingdom for once again showing up in such a meaningful way for children and families in our community," Chiefs Vice President of Community Impact and Civic Affairs Anne Scharf said. "For 35 years, this tradition has reflected Lamar Hunt's belief in bringing our team and our fans together to make a difference for those who need it most. The Hunt Family Foundation is proud to continue that legacy and to support the incredible work Ronald McDonald House Kansas City does every day to keep families together and close to the care their children need."
Started in 1992 by Hunt and late Red Coaters President Jim Schwartz, Red Thursday honors the long-standing tradition of selling team-themed commemorative items ahead of the team's season opener, including newspapers, magazines, and flags, around Kansas City with all proceeds donated to local charities with a focus on assisting children in need. Since its inception, approximately $10 million has been raised. For more information about Red Thursday, please visit www.chiefs.com/redthursday.
