Unaware of the massive surprise that was only a few minutes away, a family of five sat calmly on Wednesday afternoon at the Guadalupe Center in downtown Kansas City.
In what she thought was a normal check-in, Maria brought her four children—12-year-old Eulises, 11-year-old Alfredo, 5-year-old Gael, and 3-year-old Sofia—to one of the best family support service providers in the area.
That support was on its way, but when two familiar faces entered the room, it was the ones bringing it that left the family stunned.
As incredulity gave way to enthusiasm, it was tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, each with a basket full of holiday presents and food.
Mahomes gave the smiling 3-year-old a doll and said, “I think I have a present for you, Sofia.”
Then, among the numerous presents the young quarterback had in his possession, Mahomes discovered a football for Eulises, a superhero toy for Gael, and some Legos for Alfredo.
This was an afternoon to remember in the blink of an eye.
Through a translator, Maria remarked, “It was a grand surprise.” “My initial thought was simply, ‘Wow.’”
The visit’s greatest gift was still to come, but the emotion in the room was palpable.
While the children were playing with their new toys, Mahomes, Kelce, and executives from Kansas City Southern gave Maria, who has a chronic illness that makes it difficult for her to make ends meet, a check that would pay for all of the family’s household expenses for a year.
Once more, elation gave way to incredulity.
“This is going to be really beneficial,” Maria remarked. “This is something my family will never forget.”
Neither Mahomes nor Kelce took the opportunity lightly.
Being a part of that meant a lot to the family as well as to me, Mahomes continued. “Those kids are wonderful, and that mom does a lot.” She deserved all she received today and much more.
Once the surprise was over, the players settled in and spent time with all four of the children.
Among the numerous other talks that took up the better part of an hour, Kelce asked Alfredo about school as Mahomes demonstrated how to hold his new football.
Kelce remarked, “This was a special group right here—the Guadalupe Center picked them for a reason.” “This mother’s love for her four children is evident, and the children’s love for their mother is much more evident. Being here was just a nice experience overall.
And both Mahomes and Kelce undoubtedly took full use of it, adding a personal touch all during the visit.
Diane Rojas, Guadalupe Centers’ Vice President of Health and Social Services, stated, “That was the first thing we noticed – the way that the players actually engaged the children.” “I am aware of how much that meant to them. They are aware of who the Chiefs are, and since they don’t often experience such a thrill, I believe they were genuinely grateful for the chance.
The Guadalupe Centers were selected as the Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 lottery beneficiary during the Chiefs’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, thanks to the efforts of the Kansas City Southern community.
Wednesday’s visit and subsequent gift put the $56,925 earned from the raffle to use for the organization’s mission to celebrate cultural heritage and improve the lives of people from all ethnic origins.
Kansas City Southern President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer stated, “We just wanted to help them out.” “As a single mother with four children, she has a lot on her plate. Hopefully, with Thanksgiving approaching and Christmas approaching, it gives that family some happiness that they might not have otherwise experienced.”
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According to Michael J. Naatz, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kansas City Southern, “I’m not sure whose face lit up more – the family’s or mine.” “Seeing the children and the family’s gratitude was wonderful. That is the main objective.
The Chiefs Community Caring Team visited Guadalupe Center Middle School on Monday for a Play 60 workshop with over two dozen children, marking the second outreach initiative between the Chiefs and Kansas City Southern this week that benefits the Guadalupe Centers.
The Chiefs and Kansas City Southern’s desire to improving the Hispanic population in Kansas City was evident in both visits, and on Wednesday, that commitment changed some lives.
“To me, this is everything. Maria remarked, “My children will never forget what transpired here today.” “They will always remember this.”
And no one else who had the opportunity to be there will, as Kelce later stated.
“It was special to see these kids smile,” Kelce remarked. “This day will always be in my memory.”
