KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs, the Kansas City community and members of Chiefs Kingdom around the world raised $1 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City through flag sales during the 34th edition of Red Friday on Friday, Sept. 5. Over the past decade, Red Friday sales have raised more than $7.5 million to help Ronald McDonald House Kansas City continue its mission of keeping families close in times of sickness and need.
Members of the Chiefs Community Caring Team, including LB Nick Bolton, LB Jack Cochrane, and Vice President of Community Impact and Civic Affairs Anne Scharf, visited Ronald McDonald House Kansas City today to make the formal announcement of the total amount raised and visit with youth and families at the House.
Through a partnership with McDonald’s, the 12th edition of the Red Friday flag – featuring head coach Andy Reid’s signature phrase “How ‘bout those Chiefs” – was sold in all Kansas City- and St. Joseph-area McDonald’s locations and Kansas City Hy-Vee stores for a minimum donation of $5. For the ninth year in a row, flags were also sold online for $10 and available for domestic and international shipping.
With this year’s donation, more than $7.5 million has been directed to assisting 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.
“Every dollar raised through Red Friday is a message of love and support to families who are going through the hardest days of their lives,” said Tami Greenberg, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Kansas City. “The Chiefs and Chiefs Kingdom have once again shown what true community looks like. This $1 million gift gives families comfort, hope, and the reminder that they are never alone.”
“As one of our most meaningful traditions, Red Friday continues to show the incredible heart of Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “It embodies the vision of Lamar Hunt – bringing people together through football to do good in our community. Hitting the $1 million mark again this year is a testament to that shared generosity and spirit.”