by Brandi Mathiesen
The SuperNauts, from left; Jordan Smith, Jason Smith, Kenny “Wood” Squires and Dustin
Every year, the Chiefs donate the proceeds from one of their preseason games to help raise funds for local children's charities. Since 1983, the Chiefs Football Club has donated more than $4,500,000 to the youth of the Kansas City community.
The main beneficiaries of the charity game are The Don Bosco Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. The money raised will help fund children's programs focusing on education, employment, personal development, sports, leadership, and community service.
According to David Smith, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, the children who are asked to attend will be from many agencies, not just the two who are benefiting from the game. Each agency will be responsible for choosing the children and will also be responsible for the transportation of the children.
"We appreciate the Chiefs' participation as well as sponsors such as JE Dunn and Fortis who help to make this event possible," Smith says.
Last year the benefit game raised more than $475,000 for the children's charities. This year the goal is to raise more than $500,000.
"The Chiefs set up a Chiefs Children's Fund to distribute to children's charities in 1981," says Jack Steadman, chairman of the Kansas City Chiefs. "In 1981 they started looking for beneficiaries and in 1983 the benefit game took place."
One of the major corporate contributors to the benefit game is the Dunn Family Foundation. According to Robert Dunn, president of the Dunn Family Foundation, the benefit game is a great way to spend time with family, watch a good football game, and enjoy the tradition of tailgating.
"It is very encouraging to see the amount of construction and design-related agencies who choose to get involved, and sponsor the event," Dunn says. "The game benefits both the children and the corporate sponsors. The money raised helps the programs focused on children, and the corporate sponsors receive advertising and a tax credit."
Both beneficiary groups have been leaders in youth development in Kansas City. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City have been reaching youth since 1912 with programs in the following key areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, Technology, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. The club utilizes a staff of professionals and volunteers to provide these many programs to the children.
The Don Bosco Center also provides many activities throughout the year to the youth in the city. In the summer they provide a nine-week summer camp that includes educational opportunities and self-esteem workshops. It also provides activities in the arts, sports and community service as well as field trips that allow children to have fun while learning. Year round sports activities and competitions teach children the importance of good sportsmanship.
The benefit game advances the idea of service by reaching the community and giving back to those in need. Two thousand inner city children will have the opportunity to experience all the excitement of a Chiefs game while the beneficiary organizations will receive the money needed to fund the programs that are focused on giving children a brighter future.