How Patrick Mahomes’ mom Randi Mahomes helped Kansas City children with special needs find a place to play and connect (Getty Images)
Mahomes first supported Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City with a birthday fundraiser around the 2019-20 NFL season. She initially set a goal of $250, but the campaign raised more than $4,500 within a week, according to KSHB. The support later connected with Patrick Mahomes ‘ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Variety KC said the foundation contributed $15,000 toward the Sybil Silk Wood Nutter Children’s Playground at Children’s Mercy Hospital, which included an inclusive playground for children with special needs. She later appeared with Variety KC athletes at the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City.
Variety KC said the money raised by Mahomes helped provide a custom sports wheelchair for Jesus, a Variety KC child who wanted to play wheelchair basketball but did not have the equipment. “We’re just so honored to be the recipients of it because we help a variety of kids with a variety of special needs, and a lot of times those kids are usually on the sidelines and not included into a lot of different activities into the community,” Wiebrecht told KSHB. “That just made us all feel special because she chose us, the kids that needed to get out there and just show everyone else that we’re just like anyone else,” Aubuchon said. This time, the charity said her support helped provide inclusive playground equipment and communication boards that allow children to communicate and take part in play. The charity said Mahomes did more than raise money.
Instead of asking for presents, she asked people to donate to the organisation. The fundraiser soon became connected to a specific need. Randi returned to Variety KC with another birthday fundraiser. She took time to meet Variety KC children and their families while the gifts were dedicated. Mahomes’ connection with the children continued beyond the fundraisers. The charity used the event to highlight inclusion and accessibility while Mahomes remained involved with the children she had supported.