Breaking news : Travis Kelce unveils $3.7m home he secretly built for less prerogative Kids, his reason is heart touching

We’re not exactly sure who fell in love with whom first, but it can go down in the books as a tie – the children of Operation Breakthrough and Travis have an adorable love affair. It started in 2016, when he visited the facility at 30th and Troost.

Operation Breakthrough “provides a safe, loving and educational environment for children in poverty and empowers their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education.” The non-profit agency was founded in 1971 by Sister Corita Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer as a response to requests from parents in the central city for quality child care for children of the working poor.

It has, in the ensuing nearly four decades, become a beacon of hope for the city’s working midtown families. The beloved organization provides myriad programs for childhood education, children’s health, and parenting programs including emergency aid.

By the time Travis paid a visit, it seemed that most of the boxes had been checked off supporting families – all except one crucial one. Operation Breakthrough had done such a comprehensive job of helping children, but there appeared to be an opening for more assistance when it came to supporting teens.

Travis’ interest in STEM education and at-risk youth merged at Operation Breakthrough, and, in 2018, his foundation – 87 and Running – funded the First Lego League robotics team there. The foundation provided $45,000 to fund materials and space for the program in OB’s new MakerCity.

Travis’ orbit around Kansas City became stronger when he recently signed on for six more years on the Chiefs football team. He then doubled down on his commitment to keep the kids of Operation Breakthrough in his sights. What had been an already fantastic relationship, including the kids and Travis reading together, shopping, talking, bonding, and creating memories, became a real commitment.

The athlete who acknowledges his own fortunate experiences with family, school, and football, wanted to make sure the teens at OB had the same opportunities he did. “I’m profoundly aware of the difference in opportunity, exposure, and privilege I grew up with compared to others. Where you live, the situation you were born into, or the color of your skin should have no impact on the dreams you can dream.” These are words from Travis that signify his true north.