The 2015 football season tested the mettle of our coaches, players, staff and fans, which ultimately showed our true resolve as an organization. On the field, the start of the season didn’t provide the results anyone anticipated, but under the steady leadership of Head Coach Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey, we went on a franchise-record 10-game winning streak and won our first playoff game in more than two decades. As the team was making historic strides on the field, our Community Caring Team strived to make an impact through engaging outreach efforts and charitable contributions that make Kansas City a great place to live and work and inspire those around us to do the same.
Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt presented a check to The Children’s Place as the highest-grossing Chiefs Charity Game in the 32-year history of this initiative.
For more than five decades, the Chiefs have called Kansas City home. Over that half a century, many things have changed, but at least one thing has remained constant – the unwavering and generous support from all of those throughout Chiefs Kingdom. Our challenge is to continually find ways to give back to the community that has given so much to this organization.
To focus and maximize our impact for 2015, we concentrated on youth-based charities with an emphasis on hunger relief, health and wellness, and families in crisis. The collective Chiefs family made a record-breaking impact in many areas in 2015, raising more than $232,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City through Red “Thursday” and providing more than 300,000 meals to Harvesters – The Community Food Network, with an NFL-record 205,410 meals coming from the annual Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive. In addition, the Chiefs Charity Game raised more than $730,000 in the first year of a three-year partnership benefiting The Children’s Place. We are proud of our ongoing philanthropic, programmatic and volunteer efforts and are committed to reaching new heights to elevate the community around us. Please enjoy the stories and highlights within the 2015-16 Chiefs Community Report and thank you for your continued support of the Chiefs. We are proud to call Kansas City the Home of the Chiefs, and we look forward to sharing more success with you in 2016 and beyond. Sincerely,
Clark Hunt Chairman and CEO
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHIEFS COMMUNITY CARING TEAM BY THE NUMBERS..................................1-2
Civic responsibility MILITARY APPRECIATION.......................... 17-18
HEALTH AND WELLNESS HOSPITAL OUTREACH...................................... 3-4
Ambassadors.................................................. 19
Play 60............................................................ 5-6
Chiefs Cheerleaders, KC Wolf and Red Coaters, Player Outreach............................21
Sports Lab.......................................................... 7
Chiefs Women’s Organization, Supporting our Public Servants.............. 22
Youth Football.................................................. 8
Chiefs Community Caring Team.............. 20
TeamSmile, Breast Cancer Awareness........................... 9
LEGACY OF THE CHIEFS LEN DAWSON SCHOLARSHIP.................... 23-24
Healing Our Neighbors................................ 10
The Hunt Family Foundation..................... 25
FAMILIES IN CRISIS THE CHILDREN’S PLACE............................... 11-12
Chiefs Charity Game.................................... 26 Arrowhead Art Collection........................... 27
Literacy Efforts, Senior Support................................................13
Red Friday........................................................ 28
Lift Up America...............................................14
Super Bowl Celebration, Kickoff Luncheon..........................................30
Souper Bowl of Caring, Thanksgiving Food Distribution...............15 Toys for Tots, Holiday Adopt-A-Family............................... 16
Front Cover: Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and other members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team continue to champion the Play 60 message for youth throughout Chiefs Kingdom, including The Children’s Place.
101 Awards....................................................... 29
This is Chiefs Kingdom......................... 31-32 Continuing a Legacy.................................... 33 Sincere Thanks.............................................. 34
Photography by: Steve Sanders (Chiefs Team Photographer) and other Chiefs staff. Additional photos courtesy of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, Perry Knotts and David Strickland.
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BY TH E N UMBERS
CHI E F S C O MMU N I TY C AR I N G T E A M
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN SPIR E OUR FANS HO SP ITA L O UT R E AC H Our goal is to INSPIRE youth to reach their full potential in life. We place
Other hospital outreach events include trips to the Ronald McDonald House
importance on creating a well-balanced lifestyle for our FANS through
Charities of Kansas City to celebrate the annual donation of proceeds from Red
programming and support for our community.
Friday and craft activities with patients at a local children’s hospital by the Chiefs
As any team knows, an individual’s health is something to be thankful for and not to be taken for granted. The Chiefs recognize and respect this notion and are adamant
Women’s Organization. The support and dedication from the Chiefs to those who are undergoing health
in their efforts to support those who are currently battling their own opponents.
battles is meant to be an inspiration to the fans of Kansas City, but many would
Through hospital outreach visits, the Chiefs Community Caring Team connects
attest to the fact that it usually ends up that the Chiefs representatives are the
with and inspires fans in Chiefs Kingdom who are fighting for their well-being, and
ones who leave feeling inspired.
sometimes even for their lives. In 2012, the Chiefs and The University of Kansas Hospital began a partnership designed to provide best-in-class, comprehensive healthcare for the Chiefs organization, Chiefs fans and the greater Kansas City region, positively impacting athletes of all ages in the Kansas City community. Since 2012, the Chiefs have participated in roughly 20 outreach initiatives or visits in conjunction with The University of Kansas Hospital. One such visit was taken last fall by the quarterback corps and resonated with one signal-caller in particular. “This is always really, really special, even for me a little more being a father and coming here and getting to take part in this,” Alex Smith said. “We’re getting to visit a lot of these kids and getting to see what they’re going through. The children have serious battles on their hands. For us to come in and just get to hang out a little bit and to see their outlook and their attitude is special.”
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
Susie and Warpaint made a visit to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City on Red Thursday.
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PL AY 60 The Kansas City Chiefs are champions in spreading the NFL’s Play 60 message. Through various Play 60 programs reaching schools, community groups and other agencies, local youth got active for an estimated 4.5 million minutes in 2015. The Chiefs Community Caring Team consistently reinforces the NFL’s Play 60 message by encouraging young fans to eat healthy and be active for at least 60 Cornerback Steven Nelson (#20), cornerback Marcus Peters (#22) and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (#99) joined the Chiefs Rookie Club to host a Play 60 event at the YMCA Challenger Complex.
minutes each day. Examples can be seen regularly during Chiefs Play 60 assemblies, via the American Heart Association’s Play 60 Challenge and through the support of Midwest Dairy’s Fuel Up to Play 60 programming. Running back Jamaal Charles and his teammates held a Play 60 clinic at Operation Breakthrough.
The Chiefs celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a Fútbol Americano Play 60 clinic at Alta Vista Middle School.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
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SPORTS L AB Located inside Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs Sports Lab is a destination for students of all ages. In the 2015 season, more than 18,000 kids experienced this
unique
venue
while
learning
how
to
become
more
fit
and
active.
This interactive program attracts youth from throughout Chiefs Kingdom, including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.
Center Mitch Morse joined local youth at one of several interactive stations inside the Chiefs Sports Lab.
Offensive linemen Zach Fulton (#73) and Jah Reid (#75) assisted Girl Scouts in obtaining their Play 60 patches. The Chiefs Play 60 patch program is available for local elementary age scouts.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
Kicker Cairo Santos joined in a Punt, Pass and Kick competition along with the American Indian Community Working Group.
Thanks to a grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt recognized (L-R) Mill Valley’s Joel Applebee and Blue Springs South’s Greg Oder as the 2015 Chiefs High School Coaches of the Year.
YOUTH FOOTBALL The Chiefs efforts to promote and expand youth football are at the forefront of the organization’s focus. This can be seen in a variety of programs, including its youthspecific football field at The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex as well as the team’s collaboration with USA Football and its support of USA Football’s Heads Up Together with The University of Kansas Hospital and NFL Foundation, the Chiefs funded a $50,000 athletic training grant for the youth football players of KC United.
Football initiatives.
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TEAMSMILE For the past decade, the Chiefs and TeamSmile have provided vital complimentary dental services to local youth. As a result of the 2015 season’s event, more than 290 children received dental screenings/procedures valued at nearly $130,000.
WE ARE HONORED TO WORK WITH THE CHIEFS AND DUSTIN COLQUITT TO CONTINUE ON THIS WONDERFUL MISSION OF CHANGING CHILDREN’S LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME. DR. BILL BUSCH FOUNDER OF TEAMSMILE Punter Dustin Colquitt, linebacker Justin Houston and the Chiefs Community Caring Team hosted youth at the Chiefs United Way Hometown Huddle with TeamSmile to encourage proper oral health practices.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The Chiefs joined the NFL in recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the organization proactively supported and brought awareness to those touched by this disease, which included collaboration with Hy-Vee and The University of Kansas Hospital. On gameday, fans were greeted with “Think Pink” ribbons by volunteers from Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), while members of the Chiefs Women’s Organization distributed selfie cards. In-game festivities included a breast cancer survivor participating in the game’s ceremonial first pass, members of the Chiefs organization wearing pink and a special halftime pink balloon release.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
Tammy Reid, wife of Head Coach Andy Reid, handed out #CHIEFSVSCANCER selfie cards to fans before the game as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
HEALING OUR NEIGHBORS The Chiefs Community Caring Team supports various health and wellness initiatives throughout Chiefs Kingdom in a trio of ways. Be it through awareness programming, actively participating in collections and drives or financially supporting causes, the Red and Gold seeks to do its part and leave an indelible mark with those in need.
Chiefs Reporter BJ Kissel donated to the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City to support the annual Chiefs Week Blood Drive at Arrowhead Stadium.
Defensive lineman Dontari Poe graced the cover of the annual Braden’s Hope For Childhood Cancer calendar with Braden Hofen, who is currently in relapse from neuroblastoma.
Sharron Hunt and daughter, Isabel, joined the Hunt Family Foundation as sponsors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 27th Annual Ball, Savor The Moment – A Taste of New Beginnings fundraiser.
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FAMILIES IN CRISIS U N IT E OUR C OMMUNITY T HE CH I LD R E N ’ S PL AC E We strive to UNITE families through the spirit of giving. Our COMMUNITY is the
As the Chiefs and The Children’s Place move toward a new year with the same
foundation of support for the Chiefs Kingdom and the success of our organization.
goal of creating a safe and caring environment honoring all individuals, both
Founded in 1978, The Children’s Place has served the Kansas City community by meeting the health needs of the youngest survivors of abuse, neglect and
organizations will stand united against child abuse and more importantly, will work to create a future where these violent acts are not a part of our children’s realities.
trauma. This organization has been recognized both on a local and national level for consistently leading the charge in prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Uniting the community within a safe and caring environment is a sentiment shared by both The Children’s Place and the Chiefs. The two organizations have had a longstanding relationship that includes regular visits from members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team which prove to be some of the most impactful and meaningful outreach events that the team takes part in. During the wide receivers’ visit this past year, Jeremy Maclin articulated what the time spent at The Children’s Place meant to him, “I’ve always said once you start doing this type of stuff—touching kids, reaching out, providing them with opportunities that they normally don’t get—I think you’re fulfilling your maximum potential as a person. I think that’s a lost art in what we do.” The 2015 season marked the first of a three-year partnership with The Children’s Place as the Chiefs Charity Game beneficiary, breaking the record for the largest fundraising effort in Chiefs Charity Game history, grossing over $736,000. The Chiefs Charity Game tradition dates back to 1984 when Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt decided to team up with the Kansas City community to raise money and awareness for local children’s charities through an annual preseason game.
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FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and his position mates shared a smile and read a book to youth during a visit at The Children’s Place.
Chiefs President Mark Donovan visits The Children’s Place.
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LITERACY EFFORTS The Chiefs organization champions the importance of literacy. Thanks to visits at various schools and youth centers in support of reading initiatives, including Read Across America Day and a collaboration with the Third and Long Foundation, the team’s efforts to promote the value of learning to read and to continually cultivate that skill helps Kicker Cairo Santos took a timeout to read with youth at Operation Breakthrough.
to mold the area’s future leaders.
SENIOR SUPPORT The Chiefs celebrate our elderly fans,
especially
those
calling
various senior centers home. In fact, every year, members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team help to ring in the New Year with a special celebration at the Don Bosco Senior Center. The visit is often one of the highlights of the holiday season for all those involved. Chiefs Cheerleaders rang in the New Year by visiting the Don Bosco Senior Center.
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FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
LIFT UP AMERICA The Chiefs and Lift Up America have joined forces for the past 12 years to feed our community. This collaboration allows 60 area relief
organizations
to
receive
30,000 pounds of protein product, which is then distributed locally. General Manager John Dorsey, local high school football teams, the Chiefs linebacker group and the rest of the Chiefs Community Caring Team joined Harvesters and Tyson Foods for the 2015 food donation.
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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Held annually during the week leading up to the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are a national sponsor of the Souper Bowl of Caring hunger relief program. Chiefs Community Caring Team members kick off the initiative at Harvesters each season, and their efforts resulted in the Chiefs providing Harvesters with more than 135,000 meals locally in the past six years.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ORGANIZATION BRINGS THE SAME ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM TO HUNGER RELIEF AS IT DOES TO THE FIELD. VALERIE NICHOLSON-WATSON HARVESTERS PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City Chiefs staff, Chiefs Cheerleaders, Ambassadors and Red Coaters assembled food packages for Harvesters in a fun and friendly competition.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIB UTION Since 1992, Chiefs players, coaches and front office staff have collected funds in support of the annual Chiefs Thanksgiving Food Distribution. In that time, more than 20,000 families have been fed as a result of this initiative. Quarterback Alex Smith made a surprise delivery of a Thanksgiving meal and shared some gifts with a local family.
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FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
TOYS FOR TOTS The Chiefs Toys for Tots collection program is the longest-running of its kind between an NFL franchise and the Marines. For the past five decades, the team has hosted the area’s top drive in collaboration with local members of the Marines Combat Logistics Regiment 4 and the Marine Corps League.
Last year marked the 50th consecutive season that the Chiefs teamed with the Marines to host a Toys for Tots collection, the longest such continuous relationship in the NFL.
HOLIDAY ADOPT-A-FAMILY Every holiday season, the Chiefs Community Caring Team participates in Operation Breakthrough’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family program. As a result, the Red and Gold assisted more than 50 of the center’s families, including nearly 160 children, that otherwise wouldn’t be able to share a traditional holiday as a family unit. KC Wolf helped load special holiday gifts for Operation Breakthrough families sponsored by members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team.
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CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY H ONOR TRAD ITION M I L ITA RY A PPR E C I ATIO N It is embedded in our organization to HONOR those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of service to our country. The Chiefs have established a long-standing relationship and TRADITION of serving our military through many initiatives throughout the year. The Chiefs Community Caring Team has made annual base visits to local military installations and is a frequent supporter of area VA Medical Centers, which includes hospital visits by players, alumni and cheerleaders.
The Chiefs utilize training camp as an avenue to support our troops through Military
The Chiefs continue to take pride in annual traditions with the military. In the 2015 season, the Chiefs and the Marine Corps celebrated the 50th annual Toys for Tots
collection at Arrowhead Stadium, bringing in a record-breaking 2,322 toys. The
running backs have also sustained a unique tradition hosting the sixth annual Pros
Vs. GI Joes in conjunction with the Joint Forces Initiative video gaming event.
The integration of these initiatives has allowed the Chiefs organization to create a
unique relationship with all branches of the military and their families. We are
appreciative of their unwavering dedication and sacrifice.
Appreciation Day. “It means a lot to us that the Chiefs fully support the military,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sean Ryan, Division of Public Affairs Officer at Fort Riley. “The
players were eager to meet us, which is weird because when you’re overseas, we stay up to watch their games and it’s awesome that they want to meet us.” In
conjunction with training camp, the Chiefs also host Gold Star Families, who are
a part of the Snowball Express, an organization that remembers our fallen military heroes who will never return by creating new memories for their surviving children.
Support for our military takes first priority, which is why we integrate our servicemen
and women into the Chiefs Military Appreciation Game and our daily practices.
An Army Liaison Officer is assigned with the Chiefs each year, integrating their knowledge and experience into the Chiefs organization, and sharing procedural and leadership best practices.
Linebacker Justin Houston and Senior Airman Grissom from Whiteman AFB visited during Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care for Military Appreciation Day.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
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AMBASSADORS The Kansas City Ambassadors are a dedicated
group
of
former
players
committed to community outreach and fundraising on behalf of local charities. In 2015, the Ambassadors gave grants to nearly 20 local nonprofit organizations and volunteered hundreds of hours at charitable events in the Kansas City area. Kansas City Ambassador Tim Grunhard joined with the Kansas City Community Gardens at Gladstone Elementary to plant fruits and vegetables for low-income households and community groups.
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CIV IC RESPON S IBI LI T Y
CHIEFS COMMUNITY CARING TEAM One way the organization supports the Kansas City region is through the outreach of the Chiefs Community Caring Team. This unit, led by the Hunt family, unites members from the Chiefs organization who join in volunteerism throughout the year. Highlights from 2015 include visits to schools, community centers, food pantries, hospitals, military institutions and various other youth-focused charities. Members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team, including the Rumble, greeted Central Middle School students along with staff from City Year.
(L-R) Dan Hunt, Toni Muñoz-Hunt, Darlington Hunt, Tavia Hunt and Clark Hunt joined hundreds of youth who came to Arrowhead Stadium to participate in the inaugural Chiefs Kids Club “Trick-Or-Treat Bash.”
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PL AYER OUTREACH You will often see your favorite Chiefs players volunteering their time in the community and lending a helping hand. In fact, since linebacker Derrick Thomas established his Third and Long Foundation in 1990, nearly 100 members of the Red and Gold have created individual player foundations and/or charitable programs.
Linebacker Tamba Hali and the Chiefs Community Caring Team provided 279,681 meals to food insecure individuals this past holiday season.
CHIEFS CHEERLEADERS, KC WOLF AND RED COATERS The Chiefs Community Caring Team is comprised of the entire Chiefs family. This includes vital participants such as the Chiefs Cheerleaders, Red Coaters and the lovable KC Wolf. Together, these groups positively impact thousands of individuals living in and around Chiefs Kingdom. No matter the role in our organization, giving back is done with great pride and enthusiasm.
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CIV IC RESPON S IBI LI T Y
CHIEFS WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION The Chiefs Women’s Organization is made up of wives and significant others of Chiefs players, coaches, executives and football support staff members who come together to bring positive change to the Kansas City community. Throughout the season, the CWO teams up with local charities to improve the lives of the underserved through volunteerism and service-based projects.
Kathy Donovan, wife of Chiefs President Mark Donovan, and other CWO members partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a home in Kansas City.
SUPPORTING OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS The Chiefs are highly supportive of our area’s first responders and public servants. Last October, the Kansas City Fire Department lost two firemen responding to a fire while on call. As a tribute to the two fallen firefighters and all the firemen and women who serve the greater Kansas City area, the Chiefs paid tribute to those who have made everyday commitments of service to their community. On November 22, 2015, all of Chiefs Kingdom including Ambassador Mike Maslowski (#57) paid tribute to the two fallen Kansas City firemen and their families.
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LEGACY
OF THE
CHIEFS
W IN WITH C HARAC TER L E N DAW S O N S C H O L A RSHIP The Chiefs have established a WINNING tradition on and off the field. Since our founding, passion and CHARACTER have been embedded in our roots. Since 1977, the Len Dawson Scholarship has been awarding scholarships to
outstanding high school students. In that time, 39 individuals have received funds to further their education and pursue their dreams.
Dawson and his generosity. Because of the continued support of this scholarship,
recipients now reside across the country as engineers, small business owners, professors and doctors. DeVore said, “Thank you, Len. It’s like you threw one great pass that we all keep catching, over and over and over again.” The 2016 season will mark the 40th anniversary and celebration of education and youth.
The scholarship’s namesake, Len Dawson, is known as one of the Chiefs most legendary players, and left an indelible mark on the community resulting with the
honor of becoming the 1973 NFL Man of the Year. Success on and off the field was important to Dawson, so after spending 14 years as the face of the franchise, he knew he wasn’t finished leaving his mark on Kansas City.
Shortly after Dawson’s football career ended, he and team Founder Lamar Hunt created the Len Dawson Scholarship to give kids an opportunity for better education.
The prestigious scholarship receives more than 50 applicants annually from the
greater Kansas City area. Over the past 39 years more than $60,000 has been awarded to scholarship winners, opening doors for Kansas City youth.
“Receiving the Len Dawson Scholarship crystalized my focus, giving me the
confidence to eventually work in regional theater, Off-Broadway, on prime-time
television, feature films, then eventually writing, producing and directing them
myself,” said Cane DeVore, the 1979 scholarship recipient who is now a professor, filmmaker and small business owner.
Dreams have been granted and passions come to life through the legacy of Len
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt and Chiefs legend Len Dawson congratulated the 39th scholarship winner, Astrid Reynoso Zaragoza, in the 2015 season.
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The Hunt Family Foundation, represented here by Sharron Hunt, is funding the AmeriCorps City Year Program at Central Middle School.
Lamar Hunt Jr. celebrated his father’s legacy at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Gridiron Glory exhibit in Union Station.
THE HUNT FAMILY FOUNDATION The Hunt Family Foundation, formerly the Chiefs Children’s Fund, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Hunt family in 1983 to support charitable agencies in the greater Kansas City community. Through philanthropy and community programs, the foundation provides vital assistance to over 125 area charities each year and works to give back to a community that has given so much to the Kansas City Chiefs organization for more than 50 years.
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
Through the Hunt Family Foundation, (L-R) Lamar Jr., Clark, Sharron, Norma and Dan leave a continuous mark on the Kansas City area.
Patricia Dorsey, wife of Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey, and the rest of the Chiefs Women’s Organization helped with crafts during their visit to The Children’s Place.
(L-R) The Children’s Place Board Member Marshall Lockton joined Zy MacEwen on the field as they represent the agency prior to throwing the game’s First Pass to Ambassador Kevin Lockett.
CHIEFS CHARITY GAME Since 1984, the Kansas City Chiefs have teamed up with our community to raise money and awareness for local children’s charities through the annual Chiefs Charity Game. In the past 15 years alone, more than $7.2 million has been donated to local charities thanks to this fundraising initiative. Punter Dustin Colquitt engaged with youth at The Children’s Place, the Chiefs Charity Game beneficiary.
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Arrowhead Art Collection featured artist Kristin Goering led an on-site interactive clinic for local youth.
Sharron Hunt, Chairwoman of the Arrowhead Art Collection, spoke at the dedication of Arrowhead’s first outdoor sculpture, which was designed by renowned artist Jun Kaneko.
ARROWHEAD ART In 2012, the Hunt family and the Kansas City Chiefs announced the creation of the Arrowhead Art Collection, designed to celebrate regional art while promoting culture, providing educational opportunities and engaging the community in a way that touches individuals of all ages and walks of life. Arrowhead Art tours are available throughout the year.
Wide receiver Chris Conley and the Rookie Club took a tour of the Arrowhead Art Collection in Arrowhead Stadium with youth from Operation Breakthrough.
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
RED FRIDAY Each year, Red Friday marks the official kickoff celebration of the football season in Kansas City. The day is celebrated with Chiefs stunts appearing around the city and encourages Chiefs fans to wear red, all while fundraising through Chiefs Kingdom flag sales. The 2015 season’s event marked the first year the event was celebrated on a Thursday, in conjunction with the Thursday Night Football home opener versus the Denver Broncos, and marked the 24th anniversary of Red Friday. The event was made possible by Red Coaters, volunteers and members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team and resulted in more than $232,000 being raised for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.
IT’S A GREAT DAY EVERY RED FRIDAY WHEN CHIEFS FLAGS POP OUT, WE DRESS UP IN RED AND COME TOGETHER TO KICK OFF THE SEASON! – MAYOR SLY JAMES
An annual tradition thanks to Red Friday, Kansas City turns red in anticipation of the start of the Chiefs season each fall.
Bob Page, President and CEO of The University of Kansas Hospital, helped sell Red Friday flags with Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt.
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(L-R) Veronica Stigeler and her husband, former Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Bill Cowher, joined Norma Hunt, Clark Hunt and Tavia Hunt in supporting the 46th annual 101 Awards.
Co-Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy (left) and Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton (right) presented quarterback Alex Smith and safety Eric Berry with the Derrick Thomas Award as Co-MVPs.
101 AWARDS Following each NFL season, The Committee of 101, a civic organization, hosts the 101 Awards, Kansas City’s Salute to Professional Football, to celebrate the season’s best players and coaches. Proceeds from the 2016 event benefited The University of Kansas Hospital.
Kansas City Ambassador Ken Kremer and wife, Lisa, enjoy the 101 Awards with Lamar Hunt Jr. and his wife, Rita Hunt.
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
SUPER BOWL CELEBRATION Honoring the Super Bowl’s 50th anniversary, the Hunt family and the Chiefs hosted more than 35 players and coaches who participated in Super Bowl I & IV as honored guests for the team’s home opener. The event had particular significance for Norma Hunt, who has been coined the “First Lady of the NFL” for becoming the only female to attend all 50 Super Bowls. The trip culminated with a halftime ceremony under the lights of Thursday Night Football where the legends were celebrated by the roaring crowd at Arrowhead.
Norma Hunt is celebrated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during festivities in recognition of her historical Super Bowl attendance.
KICKOFF LUNCHEON For more than 30 years, the Chiefs have celebrated the start of the season with this opportunity for the civic community and fans to support the team. The Kickoff Luncheon raises funds for the greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce while, welcoming players and coaches back to Kansas City for the upcoming season. (L-R) General Manager John Dorsey, Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus and Head Coach Andy Reid share their insights on the upcoming football season during the Annual Chiefs Kickoff Luncheon.
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When an idea lives far beyond its birthplace, it transforms into something legendary. Here we call this the Chiefs Kingdom. The expanse of those who define the Chiefs spirit. Anchored smack dab in the middle of the United States, this kingdom has no earthly boundaries. From its Midwestern roots it grows, it covers plains and deserts, rolls over seas and mountains and rushes right into our hearts. It spans generations, races, creeds, until it finally touches the rugged landscape of our hopes and dreams. This Kingdom was not built on stone or mortar. No, it was modeled on the stories of sport and valor. And each year new chapters are etched into this never ending saga.
And
although there is one special place called home, wherever you hear the thunder of red and gold, wherever a hero is remembered or another one born, wherever the will of people give life to the game. Welcome neighbor, you’re in the Chiefs Kingdom.
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
The Buddy Bond Color Guard of the CheyenneArapaho tribes displayed the nation’s colors at the Chiefs American Indian Heritage Month Game.
The University of Kansas Hospital and the Chiefs recognized Kaleia Hayes as the Pink Seat Honoree during the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game.
Paul Rudd, Kansas City native and avid Chiefs fan, was the Drum Honoree before the team’s Fan Appreciation Game.
Chiefs Army Liaison, Jon Rittenberg, stormed the field during the Chiefs Military Appreciation Game, honoring all branches of the United States Military.
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Dan Hunt and Toni Muñoz-Hunt with their daughter Darlington, along with the rest of the Hunt family, have continued a family tradition of actively supporting The Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City.
Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt and former tight end Tony Gonzalez visited a children’s hospital together in 1998.
CONTINUING A LEGACY Guided on the principles forged by Founder Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs have an enduring tie and responsibility to our neighbors throughout Chiefs Kingdom. It is that tradition of service that has formed a legacy adopted by today’s Chiefs. Be it interacting with the men and women of the military, sharing a smile with a child at a school or uplifting countless individuals on visits around our region, the Chiefs Community Caring Team has continued to hone its focus guided on service.
Linebacker Derrick Johnson and his Defend the Dream Foundation will open five new DJ’s Discovery Dens in 2016.
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CO NTINU IN G A LEGACY
SINCERE THANKS On behalf of the Chiefs Community Caring Team, we would like to thank all of our fans, Season Ticket Members and our community and corporate partners for your tireless support. Your energy and innumerable contributions enable us to continue our charitable work. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve everyone throughout Chiefs Kingdom. We look forward to making a difference with you again next season!
Tight end Travis Kelce joined with Time Warner Cable and the NFL Network to deliver a health and wellness grant of $7,500 to the Grandview Parks and Recreation program as part of the NFL Play 60 After-School Kick Off.
For more information about the Chiefs Community Caring Team, please contact:
Safety Eric Berry comforted an attendee of the Look Good Feel Better Luncheon co-hosted by the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Hospital and the American Cancer Society.
Kansas City Chiefs Community Outreach Department The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex One Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129 816.920.9300 ChiefsCR@chiefs.nfl.com www.chiefs.com/community
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