Today, four of Kansas City’s professional sports franchises have announced a joint effort to help victims of the devastating tornado that ripped through Andover, Kansas last week.
“On behalf of the Sporting Kansas City family, our thoughts are with all of the people and businesses affected by the tornado in Andover,” said Sporting Kansas City President and CEO Jake Reid. “The Andover and Wichita communities are near and dear to us and when we saw how severely the area was impacted, we knew we had to help. We are happy to support relief efforts as the region takes its first steps toward a strong recovery. This is a great opportunity for us to contribute directly and assist to a beloved community.”
The Kansas City Chiefs, KC Current, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC will be donating $80,000 toward organizations already on the frontlines helping families rebuild their lives.
“Along with so many throughout the region, we are devastated to see the destruction in Andover following last week’s storm,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “The rebuilding is going to take time, resources, and patience. We are proud to join with all of the local professional teams to support those who are already helping the city, and its resilient residents in their recovery efforts.”
The money will support the Salvation Army, Dr. Jim Farha Andover YMCA, and the United Way of the Plains in their collective efforts to provide food and shelter to the affected residents of the Andover community.
“We are fortunate to have these great franchises in Kansas City,” said John Sherman Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals. “Together we are aligned, as advocates in our community and in the relief efforts for those impacted by the terrible destruction.”
These donations are to serve the immediate needs of the victims in Andover, as volunteer crews continue to assess the damage and determine the long term needs of that community.
“In addition to this collective contribution with the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC, we look forward to locking arms with the people of Andover and Wichita to help do whatever we can to help restore these communities,” said Chris Long, co-owner of the Kansas City Current.
