Patrick Mahomes’ foundation awards $225,000 to local charities

During its first-ever annual fundraising gala at Kansas City’s Marriott Hotel on Thursday night, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ charitable foundation 15 and the Mahomies gave $225,000 to local charities through its signature 15 FOR 15 program.

The money was distributed among 15 organizations, each of which received $15,000. Foundation executive director Marques Fitch told Fox4 that hundreds of charities applied for grants.

“They all had to be working with kids to some degree, and we want to work with organizations that are making sustainable changes,” he said.

“It just proves that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” said one of the recipients, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools superintendent Dr. Charles Foust. “I can’t tell you how overwhelming it is just to have it for our kids, our community. This is big for our community.”

Mahomes said the money raised during Thursday’s event will help the foundation continue its work.

“There are so many areas that you can give back to,” he said, “and having galas like this tonight will help me have the resources to give back to all these different communities and projects in Kansas City.

“Knowing how much athletes impacted my life with my dad playing professional sports, I know just seeing them work and being in the community, it drove me to be better.”

During the gala, the foundation also announced that it is working to find a site in Kansas City where it plans to build a new playground.

Established earlier this year, 15 and the Mahomies supports efforts to improve the lives of children, supporting initiatives focusing on children’s health and wellness, communities in need of resources and other charitable causes.