Travis Kelce is proud of the work his foundation 87 & Running is doing for the youth in Kansas City.
Kelce, 35, called in to the Chiefs Kingdom Show, hosted by Mitch Holthus, on Monday, Nov. 11 and became emotional while talking about the impact his foundation has made through partnering with the Operation Breakthrough education center, which aids kids living in poverty in Kansas City.
The tight end raved over Operation Breakthrough's space in Kansas City, calling it "one of the coolest places that I've ever seen or been a part of," during his appearance on the radio show.
"They literally have kids from preschool all the way to 8th grade, and they’re making sure these kids have meals, a safe haven; they get their education, they have good guidance and mentors," Kelce explained.
Recalling his first visit to Operation Breakthrough — located about 15 minutes away from Arrowhead Stadium by car — Kelce shared, "It was for Dr. Seuss's birthday and I was reading to the kids."
The Chiefs star said he read Cat in the Hat during that first visit to the youth center. "And when I tell you that I hadn't read a Dr. Seuss book in forever...I was over there trying to read these things just like these pre-schoolers were," he joked before trying to pronounce some of the iconic children's author's whimsical words and rhymes.
"It was beautiful to see what that organization was doing for those kids," Kelce continued. "And it was a little unsettling at the end when I found out that the program stopped at eighth grade."
Kelce then partnered with Operation Breakthrough to open the Ignition Lab in 2021, and provide programming for students beyond middle school. Now, kids aged 14 to 18 can get real-life training in skills like graphic design, automotive repair and cooking.
The tight end shared how his high school years "were such a big part of my development and who I am as a person."
"I was so fortunate that I had the people around me and the environment around me to make sure I was doing the right things," he added.
Kelce sounded emotional, even pausing for a moment to gather himself, when talking about the kids he met who have grown up and begun pursuing their dreams.
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"It's just been a beautiful thing because a lot of those kids that I was reading to in preschool are now in the Ignition Lab and doing great things with their lives," said Kelce. "And its just cool to see it all manifest and all come to life."
And beyond his efforts to give back to the Kansas City community, Kelce is making Chiefs fans proud this season as the team remains undefeated after nine games. Next, they'll head out on the road to play the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 17.
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