In a heartwarming display of compassion and generosity, renowned singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have stepped up to support the families affected by the tragic shooting at the Chiefs’ victory parade. The incident, which occurred on February 14th, left one person dead and several others injured.
Swift, known for her philanthropic efforts and her connection to Kansas City through her relationship with Kelce, wasted no time in making a substantial donation. Early on Friday, the “Anti-Hero” singer donated $100,000 to a GoFundMe page set up for the family of Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two who tragically lost her life in the mass shooting.
Kelce, deeply moved by the devastating events, followed Swift’s lead and matched her donation with a generous contribution of $100,000 through his charity, the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation. The foundation, established in 2015, is dedicated to providing resources, enrichment opportunities, and mentorship for underserved youth, helping them explore their abilities and develop critical life skills.
Kelce’s donation was split into two separate gifts of $50,000 each, with both contributions going to a GoFundMe page set up for the children of Erika Reyes, a cousin of Lopez-Galvan. Reyes’ two young daughters, aged 8 and 10, were both shot in the leg during the violence that erupted at the victory parade.
The outpouring of support from Swift and Kelce has been a beacon of hope in the midst of this tragedy. Their generous donations have already helped surpass the initial $100,000 goal for the Reyes family’s GoFundMe page, with the total amount raised exceeding $175,000 by early evening on Friday.
In addition to the financial aid, the Kansas City Chiefs and the United Way have joined forces to create the #KCStrong Fund. This fund aims to support shooting victims and their families, as well as invest in violence prevention and response organizations, including mental health support services and assistance for first responders.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, the Chiefs’ quarterback and his wife, have also taken a personal interest in the well-being of the affected families. The couple visited the Reyes girls at Children’s Mercy Hospital, offering their support and comfort during this challenging time.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, the actions of Swift, Kelce, and others have provided a glimmer of light and hope. Their generosity and compassion serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, kindness and unity can prevail.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with two juveniles already charged with crimes connected to the mass shooting, according to authorities on Friday. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the victims, their families, and the wider community as they work to heal from this traumatic event.
