Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, through their 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, pledged $1.625 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in October 2023 (Getty Images)
The announcement came on a Wednesday in early October 2023, and the package has more moving parts than the headline number suggests. The $1.625 million is spread across a multi-year commitment, not delivered as one check. In East Texas, the Mentoring Alliance site will provide scholarships for up to 300 young people a year at no cost. The organization says more than 5,200 clubs serve 3.3 million young people. NFL.com noted that Mahomes entered Week 5 with eight touchdowns, which put the pledge at $12,000 at that point. Even a big season of 35 touchdowns would add $52,500. Next to $1.625 million, that is a rounding error.
Because steady funding is what lets a club plan staff, programs and repairs, that matters,. KSN reported that the foundation will also help upgrade those spaces.
The Greater Kansas City and Lubbock clubs will each recognize “15 and the Mahomies” by renaming one of their facilities, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America release. “We are truly excited to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America by investing in the future of children,” Patrick Mahomes said. “We hope you’ll join us in supporting the awesome work of the Boys & Girls Clubs, because we all know great futures start here,” he said. “Kids who attend a Club, like Brittany once did, are provided with the necessary tools and resources to help this generation not only thrive but lead with compassion and purpose,” he said.
Then there is the local piece. The national backdrop gives the gift some scale. On paper, the touchdown bonus is the smaller number. Mahomes leaned on that idea in his video announcement. The line is an invitation as much as a statement, and it suggests the foundation expects other donors to follow. The most personal detail in the announcement is easy to miss. Brittany attended a Boys & Girls Club herself. Patrick pointed to that in his statement.