T O C H I E F S FA N S, FA M I LY & F R I E N D S The 2016 Chiefs season provided some memorable moments on the field. For just the second time in club history, the Chiefs swept the AFC West on the way to a 12-4 record and another division championship. Head Coach Andy Reid, General Manager John Dorsey and their staffs have established the Chiefs as one of the elite teams in the National Football League, and they are already hard at work preparing to take the next step in 2017.
Chiefs Chairman and CEO, Clark Hunt, met with local youth football players before a game at Arrowhead as part of the celebration for Play Football Month.
Thanks to our tremendous team of players, coaches and staff, the Chiefs also made significant strides last season in our ongoing efforts to serve the communities of our fans throughout the Chiefs Kingdom. When my father moved the Chiefs to Kansas City in 1963, he made a commitment to invest time and resources in the communities where our fans live. It is a very special part of his legacy to me and my family, and it remains one of our primary missions today.
In 2016, the Chiefs Community Caring Team, led by club president Mark Donovan, contributed a record breaking 5,000 hours of service to the Kansas City community. This report features just some of the many highlights from last year. From our commitment to improving opportunities in education through our partnership with City Year, to increasing support for children and families in crisis, promoting health and wellness programs like NFL Play 60, and our ongoing engagement and appreciation initiatives dedicated to the brave men and women of our military, we are honored to serve the Chiefs Kingdom. We hope you enjoy the 2016-17 Chiefs Community Report. We sincerely appreciate your continued support of the Chiefs and, more importantly, the Kansas City community. Sincerely,
Clark Hunt Chairman and CEO
TABLE OF CONTENTS Making our mark THIS IS CHIEFS KINGDOM............................ 1-2
Civic responsibility FIRST RESPONDER RECOGNITIONS....19-20
BY THE NUMBERS.......................................... 3-4
Chiefs Community Caring Team............. 21
Families in Crisis CITY YEAR........................................................ 5-6
Cheerleaders, Red Coaters & KC Wolf.22
Literacy Efforts, Toys for Tots Holiday Adopt-A-Family.......................... 7-8 Souper Bowl of Caring, Thanksgiving Food Distribution..............9 Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive, Lift Up America............................................10
Player Outreach Chiefs Women’s Organization................. 23 Salute to Service........................................ 24 LEGACY OF THE CHIEFS KANSAS CITY AMBASSADORS............. 25-26 The Hunt Family Foundation...................27 Chiefs Charity Game.................................. 28 Arrowhead Art Collection........................ 29
Health & Wellness #CHIEFSVSCANCER.....................................11-12
Red Friday..................................................... 30
Play 60...................................................... 13-14
101 Awards..................................................... 31
Sports Lab..................................................... 15
Kickoff Luncheon, Len Dawson Scholarship......................... 32
Youth Football.............................................. 16 Chiefs Blood Drive, Team Smile.................................................... 17
Welcome to Arrowhead......................33-34
Supporting our Neighbors........................18
SINCERE THANKS.................................... 36
Front Cover: Safety Eric Berry and decorated athlete Victoria interacted as the Chiefs hosted Special Olympics participants at the Chiefs Sports Lab. Back Cover: Cornerback Marcus Peters is accompanied on a post-practice helmet walk by a member of the Kansas City Metro YMCA Challenger Football League at Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care.
Continuing a Legacy................................. 35
Photography by: Steve Sanders (Chiefs Team Photographer) and other Chiefs staff. Additional photos courtesy of McConnell Air Force Base, Pulaski County Special School District, The University of Kansas Health System and Sabrina Staires.
M A K I N G our M A R K TH IS IS C H IEF S KIN GDOM
UNITING THE KINGDOM 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.
Chiefs Kingdom is deafening at Arrowhead, but also travels well as shown by these three Chiefs fans and the Sea of Red behind them on the road.
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MAKING OUR MA RK
During a Chiefs Community Caring Team visit to Omaha, Nebraska, CFO, Dan Crumb, spoke about the Red Friday partnership, which benefited a renovated baseball field dedicated to local fallen Police Officer Kerrie Orozco.
A pair of Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders are seated in the cockpit of a KC-135 Stratotanker as they visit McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas prior to hosting a Chiefs watch party on base.
Mike and Carolyn Lehnus of Urbandale, Iowa, are active members of the Chiefs Red Coaters.
Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus emceed an exclusive Draft Event at Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base.
KC Wolf joined Harris Elementary School students in Little Rock, Arkansas to celebrate the benefits of a healthy school breakfast and physical activity.
The Chickasaw Nation Youth Choir of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed pregame during American Indian Heritage Month at Arrowhead Stadium in November.
T H IS IS C H I EFS KI N G D O M
2
BY THE NUMBERS 76,416
Fans filling Arrowhead Stadium each Gameday
22,000
Cars forming a tailgating paradise
142.2
Decibels - The Loudest Stadium in the World
54
Years in Kansas City
45
Seasons we’ve called Arrowhead home
2
Colors - Red & Gold
1
Allegiance Chiefs Kingdom
Nearly
8,000,000 initiated minutes of play and activity through Chiefs Play 60 programming
3
BY TH E N UMBERS
More than
$11,600,000
4,700
$103,000
259,066
raised by the Chiefs Charity Game since it’s inception
community Service hours provided by 70 Red Coaters
raised at the Ambassador Golf Tournament for Camp Quality
meals provided through the Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive, an NFL Record
More than
$815,000
$1,000,000
donated by the Hunt Family Foundation to local charities via the Chiefs 50/50 Raffle during the last four years
flags sold on Red Friday, raised an event record of $240,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City
Increase of
More than
+33%
in acceptable attendance rates at Central Middle School thanks to City Year’s involvement
invested in regional artists, vendors and programs through the Arrowhead Art Collection
5
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Honorees; no other franchise has more
$5.7M
$75,000
4,221
donated to 16 different charitable organizations through the Ambassador Charitable Foundation
units of blood donated from our Chiefs Blood Drive
in publicity value generated by the Chiefs Community Caring Team with an audience of more than 22.5 Million
T H IS IS C H I EFS KI N G D O M
4
F A M I L I E S in C R I S I S U N IT E OU R CO MMUNITY
CITY YEAR
After just one year of having City Year in Central Middle School, students on the Attendance Focus List attended an additional three (3) weeks of school compared to the previous year and, in math, 46% of students tutored by City Year AmeriCorps members increased their math grade by at least one letter grade,
We strive to UNITE OUR COMMUNITY through social and academic support as
while 1 in 5 improved from a failing grade (D or F) to a passing grade (A, B or C).
well as empowerment programming. In addition to placing AmeriCorps members in classrooms, Chiefs players, Since the Chiefs were founded in 1960, the Hunt family has always stressed the
executives, the Chiefs Women’s Organization and Chiefs Cheerleaders have hosted
importance of positively impacting the community. In 2015, the Chiefs and the Hunt
events and programs for students at Central Middle School over the past two
Family Foundation found a way to extend that impact to a Kansas City Public School
years to reward the positive changes students have been making. From a Black
in an innovative and collaborative way in partnership with City Year Kansas City.
History Month Art session utilizing the Arrowhead Art Collection, to leading a
Introduced in Kansas City in August of 2015, City Year is a national, evidencebased program with a proven history of improving educational attainment for urban students.
City Year provides full-time tutors and mentors in high-need
public schools to help keep students in school and on track to graduate. Kansas
First Day of School Pep Rally to workshops that teach students the importance of positive relationships, the Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation have embraced City Year and Central Middle School and look forward to continuing to support these students in the classroom and through life experiences.
City Public Schools serve more than 15,000 students, with 100% qualifying for free meals while one out of every five students’ first/primary language is not English. Recognizing the importance of education in improving long-term outcomes for children, the Chiefs worked hand-in-hand with the Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City Public Schools, the Mayor of Kansas City, as well as a number of local businesses to bring City Year to Kansas City. As a result of the support from the Kansas City Chiefs and Hunt Family Foundation, the eight AmeriCorps members assigned to Central Middle School spend at least 1,700 hours each year helping nearly 500 students at the school. Twenty-eight percent of students are enrolled on at least one focus list: attendance, behavior or coursework and, prior to City Year, students at the school were 19.7% proficient in ELA, 8.2% proficient in math and 12.1% proficient in science in 2015-16, far below the state average of 62.9% in ELA, 48.6% in math and 52.1% in science. Wide Receiver Chris Conley supported City Year by sharing his thoughts on sports, education, and life experiences during a visit to Central Middle School.
5
FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
Chiefs President Mark Donovan visited Central Middle School with City Year.
U N I T E O U R C O M M U NIT Y
6
7
FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
LITERACY EFFORTS The
Chiefs
TOYS FOR TOTS
organization
The Chiefs Toys for Tots collection
champions the importance of
program is the longest-running of its
literacy. Thanks to visits at various
kind between an NFL franchise and
schools and youth centers in support
the Marines. For over five decades,
of reading initiatives, including a
the team has hosted this toy drive
collaboration with the Mid-Continent Public
Library
Summer
in collaboration with local members
Learning
of the Marine Combat Logistics
Program, the team’s efforts both
Regiment 4 and the Marine Corps
promote enthusiasm and stress the cultivation of reading skills to support growth in reading levels amongst the
League. General Manager John Dorsey and area Marines collected toys for the 51st consecutive year.
area’s future leaders. Along with the rest of the Chiefs
HOLIDAY ADOPTA-FAMILY
Community Caring Team, Wide Receiver Jeremy Maclin encouraged the children of Chiefs Kingdom to get excited about reading during Read Across America Day. This year, the CCCT visited and read to more than 20
Every holiday season, the Chiefs
schools in the Kansas City metro area during
Women’s Organization participates
the March 2nd celebration.
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 with Operation Breakthrough President & CEO Mary Esselman.
U N I T E O U R C O M M U NIT Y
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THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIBUTION Since 1992, Chiefs players, coaches and front office staff have collaborated with the Third and Long Foundation to collect funds in support of the annual Chiefs Thanksgiving Food Distribution. Since it’s inception, more than 20,000 families have been fed as a result of this initiative.
Kansas City Chiefs staff, Chiefs Cheerleaders, Ambassadors and Red Coaters partnered with Harvesters to assemble BackSnack food packages for food insecure youth in the area.
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 Community Food Network. Chiefs Community Caring Team members kick off the initiative at Harvesters each season, and this year’s efforts resulted in the Chiefs donating 657 pounds of food in addition to assembling nearly 3,000 meals. This brings the club’s seven-year total to 20,319 meals packaged for food insecure families. Linebacker Justin Houston surprised a local family with smiles, holiday gifts, and the delivery of a Thanksgiving meal.
9
FAMILIES IN CRIS IS
CHIEFS KINGDOM FOOD DRIVE In 2016, the Chiefs Kingdom Food Drive broke it’s own NFL record with over 250,000 meals provided. Throughout the month of November, fans were invited to help the cause by making donations at local area Hy-Vee stores and those attending the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game were also encouraged to donate on game day at Arrowhead Stadium. Fan support, in addition to collaboration with Farmland, Hy-Vee and Harvesters, allowed the Chiefs to make a powerful stride to combat food insecurity in the Kansas City area.
Lamar Hunt Jr. helped lead the Chiefs Community Caring Team alongside Harvesters and other volunteers for an annual food donation.
LIFT-UP AMERICA The Chiefs and Lift Up America have joined forces for the past 13 years to feed The Greater Kansas City community. Each year, the collaboration between the Chiefs, Harvesters, Tyson and Lift Up America allows 60 area relief organizations to receive 30,000 pounds of protein product, which is then distributed locally.
Offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz and his fiancĂŠ, CWO member Brooke, helped the Chiefs kick off hunger relief efforts that broke NFL records.
U N I T E O U R C O M M U NIT Y
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H E A LT H&W E L L N E S S IN SP IRE O U R FAN S
#CHIEFSVSCANCER Our goal is to INSPIRE OUR FANS to take accountability for their health and to be happy and active through all stages of life.
“I love the #ChiefsvsCancer initiative” says Brandy. “Anyone and everyone is affected. With the #ChiefsvsCancer campaign on game day we are not connected only through our love of the Chiefs, but through common experience.” In 2016, the #ChiefsvsCancer selfie cards helped the initiative reach 10,853,935 lives through social media, increasing awareness 493% over the previous year. The Kansas City Chiefs are proud to raise awareness in this innovative way and will
During game days at Arrowhead, all of the Kingdom cheers for the Chiefs as they
continue to cheer for survivors, fighters, and all those affected for many years to come.
fight for a win. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Month, however, we have the opportunity to also cheer for those affected by a different type of fight. To introduce a unique way to reach fans during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Chiefs Women’s Organization began handing out “I Cheer For…” cards prior to the team’s annual BCA game. With the cards, fans are encouraged to participate by posting a selfie using the hashtag #ChiefsVsCancer on their social media accounts. In addition to showing in-stadium, the images appear instantaneously online at www.chiefs.com/chiefsvscancer in order to reach a more expansive audience. On one side of the card is a section to write the name of someone who has been affected by cancer. On the other side is former Chiefs Cheerleader, Brandy Reed. Brandy became a Chiefs Cheerleader in 2010. In early 2015, after Brandy hung up her pom-poms, she was diagnosed with cancer. As Brandy fought, her Chiefs family rallied around her. From sitting with her after treatments, to gifts of flowers and food, to companionship, both Brandy’s former cheerleading teammates and the entire Chiefs front office staff supported her during her journey. By September of 2015, Brandy’s cancer went into remission. While she was touched by the support, she was most touched by learning that she was to be featured on the “I Cheer For…” cards because it gave her a unique platform to share her story. Chiefs Cheerleading Alumnus Brandy Reed showcases one side of the #ChiefsvsCancer cards in the image that appears on the other side.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
CWO member Tammy Reid distributed #ChiefsvsCancer selfie cards.
I N SP I R E O U R FA NS
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PLAY 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 were active for an estimated 8 million minutes in 2016. 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 minutes each day. The Chiefs spread the Play 60 message to area Girl Scouts during the inaugural Arrowhead Takeover event.
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. The Chiefs Rookie Club, including Chris Jones, hosted an inclusive Play 60 clinic for youth from the YMCA Challenger program. In all, the Chiefs encourage youth of various physical and intellectual abilities through a myriad of Play 60-themed activities and appearances.
The Chiefs celebrated American Indian Heritage Month with various events, including a Play 60 clinic with Running Back Charcandrick West.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
I N SP I R E O U R FA NS
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SPORTS LAB Located inside Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs Sports Lab is a destination for students of all ages. Last year alone, 145 schools and youth programs experienced this unique venue with more than 1.3 million kids learning how to become more fit and active. As a result of our youth involvement, over 2,400 students have become Play 60 ambassadors since the Sports Lab opened in 2010. This interactive program attracts youth from throughout Chiefs Kingdom, including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.
The Sports Lab features hands-on and interactive computer activities promoting the importance of being active, good nutrition and healthy living.
Safety Daniel Sorensen led an athlete through one of the many interactive stations as the Chiefs hosted Special Olympics participants at the Chiefs Sports Lab.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
One recent enhancement to the Sports Lab for school field trips is a Play 60 themed scavenger hunt.
Chiefs President Mark Donovan presented a grant of $10,000 to Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Lane to support their football program.
Chiefs Kingdom celebrated as three of its own, (L-R) Macy Richardson, Nathan Wulff and Samuel Kuehn won their age divisions in USA Football’s Punt Pass & Kick National Championships.
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 different programs, including the Chiefs Youth Football Field as well as the team’s collaboration with USA Football and Thanks to a grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt recognized Grain Valley’s David Allie (L) and three-time winner, Blue Valley’s Eric Driskell (R) as the 2016 Chiefs High School Coaches of the Year.
its Heads Up Football initiative.
I N SP I R E O U R FA NS
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TEAMSMILE For the past decade, the Chiefs and TeamSmile have provided vital complimentary dental services to local youth. During the 2016 event, more than 260 children received free dental screenings and procedures valued at over $120,000. This season, the event took place at Arrowhead Stadium as part of the Chiefs United Way Hometown Huddle.
Red Coater Dan Bentch joined Chiefs Kingdom in donating to the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City in support of the Annual Chiefs Week Blood Drive.
CHIEFS BLOOD DRIVE The Chiefs Blood Drive has grown tremendously since its inception in 1998; collecting 359 pints of blood in one day in the first year. Thanks to the generosity of committed donors and its popularity with fans, the event has expanded to a weeklong event at all six Community Blood Center donation centers. This year’s efforts facilitated the donation of more than 4,221 units of blood.
The Chiefs Community Caring Team has been partnering with TeamSmile for ten years to provide free dental care, with Chiefs Punter Dustin Colquitt serving as the national spokesperson for the initiative.
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H E ALTH A N D WELLN ES S
SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS The Chiefs Community Caring Team supports various health and wellness initiatives throughout Chiefs Kingdom in a variety of ways. Be it through awareness programming, actively participating in collections and drives, and emotional support, the Red and Gold seeks to do its part and leave an indelible mark with those in need.
Rita Hunt (R), herself a breast cancer survivor, attended the Look Good, Feel Better Luncheon co-hosted by the Chiefs, The University of Kansas Health System, and the American Cancer Society.
Center Mitch Morse was one of 13 Chiefs players featured in the team’s annual Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer calendar photoshoot.
The Chiefs Cheerleaders visited the Don Bosco Senior Center, the largest and most comprehensive senior center in Greater Kansas City for a New Year’s Celebration.
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CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY H ON OR TRA DITION
FIRST RESPONDER RECOGNITIONS
Off the field, the importance of our first responders is held in just as high of regard. This past season, the quarterback position group, led by Alex Smith, surprised local Kansas City Fire Department firefighters as a sign of solidarity to thank them for their public service. “[We’re thankful for] the chance to come out here and tell these guys how much we
It is embedded in our organization to HONOR those who protect our community.
appreciate them, and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis for all of us,” Smith
The Chiefs have established a long-standing TRADITION of recognizing and
stated. “It doesn’t get said enough.”
celebrating those who care for our citizens. To the Chiefs, being an active part of the Kansas City community means celebrating
Another act of support this past year was the effort in recognizing a multitude of first responders who were the first on the scene at The CityPlace fire in Overland
and honoring those who keep our city and surrounding areas safe. Our local first
Park this past spring. These 12 departments, including fire, police and EMS from the
responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and rescuers, among
surrounding cities, were hosted at an appreciation dinner where KC Wolf and Chiefs
others, are the true heroes in our everyday lives, and the recognition of these
Cheerleaders thanked them for their bravery and service.
individuals is something the Chiefs organization emphasizes. While the club regularly honors fallen first responders, last season in particular the organization paid its respects to the families of Captain Robert Melton and Detective Brad Lancaster, both of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, as well as the family of Master Deputy Brandon Collins, of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Department. These in-game moments of silence for the families, who were all in attendance, were occasions to behold at Arrowhead, as the entire Chiefs Kingdom saluted the sacrifices made by these brave men and their families. An additional in-stadium experience that will not be forgotten easily was Hesston, Kansas Police Chief Doug Schroeder leading the team out on the field at the Chiefs home opener on September 11, with this date being the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and thus named the First Responder Appreciation Game. His heroic act in February of 2016 of responding to a mass shooting and taking down the shooter saved countless lives. Hesston Chief of Police Doug Schroeder led the Chiefs onto the field at September 11th’s First Responders Recognition game and home opener.
19
CIV IC RESPON S IBI LI T Y
Quarterback Alex Smith visited the Kansas City Fire Department.
H O N O R T RA DIT IO N
20
CHIEFS COMMUNITY CARING T EAM 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 2016 include visits to schools, community hospitals,
centers, military
food
pantries,
instillations
and
various other youth-focused charities. At one of the more festive events of the season, Kicker Cairo Santos and the rest of the CCCT brought holiday cheer to excited kindergarteners at Operation Breakthrough in the form of cookies, hot cocoa, story time and hugs.
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CIV IC RESPON S IBI LI T Y
KC Wolf visited with local youth at the Arrowhead Art tent during the 86th Annual Plaza Art Fair.
Red Coaters including Mitzy Graybeal helped prepare monthly meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City.
CHEERLEADERS, RED COATERS & KC WOLF 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. One of the Chiefs Cheerleaders took a timeout to color at the Challenger Cheer Clinic in partnership with the YMCA.
H O N O R T RA DIT IO N
22
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.
Tight End Travis Kelce was one of many Chiefs players to bring awareness to non-profit initiatives by participating in the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign.
PLAYER 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 the Third and Long Foundation in 1990, over 100 members of the Red and Gold have created individual player foundations and/or charitable programs.
Tammy Reid, Wife of Head Coach Andy Reid, and Tavia Hunt joined other members of the CWO to serve meals with Cross-Lines Community Outreach.
23
CIV IC RESPON S IBI LI T Y
SALUTE TO SERVICE The Chiefs have a long standing appreciation for the men and women in our armed forces. That spirit is reinforced thanks to a continued partnership with military instillations and support facilities nationwide that included: Andrews AFB, Ft. Campbell, Ft. Carson, Ft. Leavenworth, Ft. Riley, Ft. Sam, Ft. Sill, Keesler AFB, Lackland AFB, McConnell AFB, Offutt AFB, Rosencrans ANGB, Sheppard AFB and Whiteman AFB, as well as ceremonies surrounding the annual Salute to Service game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Wide Receiver Chris Conley presented Gage Unger with a Salute to Service sweatshirt memorializing his father, Corporal David Michael Unger. The sweatshirt was worn by Chris during pregame warmups.
Head Coach Andy Reid visited with several members of the military during Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care for Military Appreciation Day.
Trish Dorsey, wife of General Manager John Dorsey, joined other members of the Chiefs Women’s Organization to accompany Gold Star Mothers as they toured the National WWI Museum & Memorial.
H O N O R T RA DIT IO N
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L E G A C Y of the C H I E F S W IN WITH CH A RA C TER
KANSAS CITY AMBASSADORS The Chiefs have established a WINNING tradition on and off the field. Since our founding, passion and CHARACTER have been embedded in our roots. The Kansas City Ambassadors are a group unlike any other in the National Football League. Comprised of former Chiefs players, the group is a vital part of the Chiefs Community Caring Team and acts as a liaison between the community, various special interest groups and the Chiefs. The earliest version of the group can be
that passion to advocate for children battling cancer. On one side of the relationship, the Ambassadors experience one aspect of the children’s lives by appearing at assemblies in their schools to support them. In return, the Ambassadors share a little of their lives with the children, as they are inducted into the Kansas City Ambassadors Hall of Fame and often go together to training camp to meet today’s Chiefs. The relationship is summed up by current Ambassador, Deron Cherry: “It’s something that I think from the standpoint of the Ambassadors, to take kids to let them know they aren’t alone in their battle and to let them know they have some big brothers who will look out for them is important. It is really a special moment when you see the look on their faces and the respect they gain from the students that walk by them every day.”
traced back to 1989, when several former players got together to discuss what they could do to help young players coming into the league in the spirit of team Founder Lamar Hunt. It was this vision coupled with shared life experiences that made the Kansas City Ambassadors a unique tool when it came to helping new players grow comfortable in their roles as influential Kansas Citians. The organization even earned the support of then-NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Before long, the Ambassadors began investing in the community that had given so much to them. With a variety of fundraisers, the one event that has historically garnered the most support is the annual charitable Ambassadors Golf Classic, which surpassed the $100,000 mark for the first time in 2016. These strong fundraising efforts have empowered the Ambassadors to support various charitable organizations over the years. Current beneficiaries include Camp Quality of Greater Kansas City, Kids TLC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City. As the partnership between the Kansas City Ambassadors and Camp Quality enters its fourth year, the men who worked tirelessly on the field as players have harnessed
25
LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
Like most of his fellow Kansas City Ambassadors, Danan Hughes initially made a mark in the community as a player, but wanted to continue his outreach efforts locally after retirement.
KC Ambassadors (L-R) Walter White, Bill Mass and Bobby Bell visited with patients at TUKHS.
W I N WIT H C H A RA C T E R
26
With the CWO, Kathy Donovan, wife of Chiefs President Mark Donovan, visited children from the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired; a Hunt Family Foundation beneficiary. Clark Hunt and Sharron Hunt accept the award for Business Philanthropist of the Year at Non Profit Connect’s 32nd Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, Better Together.
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.
Together with The University of Kansas Health System and the NFL Foundation, the Hunt Family Foundation funded a $50,000 athletic training grant for the youth football players of KC United.
27
LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
Rudy Liggins, Preschool Classroom Co-Teacher, shared a smile with a child as the Chiefs hosted a Play 60 event at The Children’s Place.
Wide Receiver Albert Wilson brought smiles and laughter as he visited with the youth at The Children’s Place.
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 12 years alone, more than $6 Million has been donated to charities thanks to this fundraising initiative. Clark and Tavia Hunt presented The Children’s Place President and CEO Ann Thomas with a check for $740,000; the largest amount ever raised through the Chiefs Charity Game.
W I N WIT H C H A RA C T E R
28
ARROWHEAD ART COLLECTION 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.
Quarterback Alex Smith joined his teammates to host a group of local high school art students in a visit and workshop with Arrowhead Art Collection featured artist Lonnie Powell.
The Chiefs Community Caring Team partnered with City Year to host students from Central Middle School for a unique Black History Month experience with Arrowhead Art Collection featured artist NedRa Bonds.
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, Allen Bailey and the D-line joined students from Alta Vista High School for a tour and art workshop with Arrowhead Art Collection featured artist JosĂŠ Faus.
RED FRIDAY Chiefs Kingdom celebrated the 25th edition of Red Friday to kick off the start of the 2016 football season. City-wide festivities saw volunteers and members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team sell thousands of specially designed Chiefs Kingdom flags. Locally, an event-record $254,000 was donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, pushing the four-year total to over $625,000. In addition to those flag sales, Omaha and Wichita also participated in Red Friday by selling flags to benefit a local charity in their market. Collectively, this initiative raised $280,000.
(L-R) Toni MuĂąoz-Hunt, Gracie Hunt, Tavia Hunt, Rita Hunt, and Sarah Arkell took to the streets to sell flags and celebrate the annual tradition.
(L-R) Local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Jim Wagy, Ronald McDonald House Charities CEO Tami Greenberg and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt showed off their Chiefs Kingdom Pride.
The iconic Poseidon fountain at the Country Club Plaza is one of many notable Kansas City landmarks decorated in red during the annual Red Friday Celebration.
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Tavia Hunt, Clark Hunt and Norma Hunt congratulated Lamar Hunt Award recipient Al Michaels at the 47th Annual 101 Awards.
The University of Kansas Health System President and CEO, Bob Page (R), presented Chairman of the 101 Committee, Mike Brown (L), with a token of thanks in recognition of his contributions.
101 AWARDS Following each NFL season, a civic organization called The Committee of 101 hosts the 101 Awards, Kansas City’s Salute to Professional Football. The event celebrates the season’s best players and coaches in the National Football League. Proceeds from the 2016 event benefited The University of Kansas Health System.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid congratulated Mack Lee Hill Award (Rookie of the Year) recipient, Tyreek Hill (L) and Derrick Thomas Award (Most Valuable Player) recipient, Eric Berry (R).
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LEG ACY OF T HE C HIEFS
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 local charitable organizations, while welcoming players and coaches back to Kansas City for the upcoming season. Over the last three years this initiative has raised $225,000 to benefit the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
Chiefs legend Len Dawson celebrated 2016 Len Dawson Scholarship winner McKinna Shelton alongside his display in the Chiefs Hall Of Honor presented by Spectrum.
LEN DAWSON SCHOLARSHIP Since 1977, the Len Dawson Scholarship has been awarded to outstanding high school students. The prestigious scholarship receives more than 50 applications annually from the greater Kansas City area. Since its inception, more than $60,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to 40 individuals to help further their education and pursue their dreams.
(L-R) Head Coach Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey shared their insights on the upcoming football season during the annual Chiefs Kickoff Luncheon.
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WELCOME TO ARROWHEAD Skeptics tell us that home-field advantage is just a myth. They don’t know the history of this region or the character of those of us who choose to call it home. They haven’t seen us relentlessly beat the seats or the tough times. They haven’t watched us proudly raise the roof or our families. They haven’t witnessed our dedication to building up a storied franchise or a neighbor in need. Now, we all know there are no shortcuts to accomplishing any of these things on or off the field. It requires relentless commitment, strength of character and an optimism that’s as big as the Midwestern sky. We believe nothing is impossible when we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Together. Here, under the bright lights of a national stage, we celebrate something that’s even bigger than an NFL game. We celebrate what we have accomplished together. What we have overcome together. And what is possible together. Because we know that together is powerful. This is us. This is what we believe. This is our home-field advantage. This is Arrowhead Stadium.
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Seventh-grader Sophie Schneider, winner of the NFL Play 60 Super Kid Contest, led Arrowhead Stadium during the playoffs as the Tony DiPardo Spirit Drum Honoree.
Fullback Anthony Sherman held the United States Flag alongside uniformed members of the Kansas National Guard, Whiteman Air Force Base, the Navy and the Marines during the Chiefs annual Military Appreciation Game.
Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt (center) led Chiefs Kingdom in recognizing the organization’s league-leading five Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honorees.
The Kansas City Chiefs in association with the American Indian Community Working Group celebrated American Indian Heritage Month with a number of blessings and special celebrations for the third-consecutive year.
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Dan and Toni Munoz-Hunt with their daughter Darlington (center), 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 met with local youth football players before a game at Arrowhead Stadium as part of the celebration for Play Football Month.
CONTINUING A LEGACY Guided by 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 continues to hone its focus guided on service. Since 2015, Linebacker Derrick Johnson’s Defend The Dream Foundation has opened 13 local Discovery Dens, which are previously underutilized areas in schools that have been transformed into reading bases.
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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, 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.
The Chiefs Community Caring Team, including Kansas City Ambassador Anthony Davis, seeks to brighten the day for children and their families alike.
For more information about the Chiefs Community Caring Team, please contact:
Kansas City Chiefs Community Outreach Department The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex One Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129 816.920.9300 ChiefsCR@chiefs.nfl.com www.chiefs.com/community Kansas City Ambassadors, led by Jon McGraw, visited with children at Camp Quality and led them through a Play 60 circuit.
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