Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce held his first ever charity event, the "Walk the Walk Fashion Benefit" at Tom's Town Distillery in downtown Kansas City on Wednesday night. The idea to host a fashion show featuring local Kansas City styles was developed by Kelce himself.
"I wanted it to be something fun, something interactive," he said. "It's all for a great cause. I'm just happy that I've been able to influence this city and be a part of it. The city has brought me in as one of its own, and I just feel like this is my opportunity to give back and when I can, make a great influence."
Proceeds from the show went to two organizations Kelce is involved with in Kansas City—Shadow Buddies and Operation Breakthrough. Former Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez helped to start the Shadow Buddies program in Kansas City, a tradition Kelce now continues.
"[Shadow Buddies and Operation Breakthrough] were the first two that really got on board to what my mission was and what I wanted to be a part of," he explained. "Both Shadow Buddies and Operation Breakthrough have been awesome for me, for this community and for the surrounding communities. It's awesome just to be a part of them and be a face for them and they can be a face for me."
Kelce's fellow teammates in James O' Shaughnessy, Brian Parker and Ross Travis, as well as tight ends coach Tom Melvin, joined him at the show to support those causes.
Photos from Travis Kelce's Walk the Walk Fashion Benefit for Shadow Buddies and Operation Breakthrough
"It means a lot," Kelce said of their presence at the event. "It just tells you what type of brotherhood and what type of family organization the Chiefs organization is. They come out here, and I couldn't be more proud to be a Chief."
Before the fashion show began, Kelce met with fans and later got on a microphone to thank guests for coming. Late in the show, he participated in a walk down the runway, dancing and skipping to cheers from the guests in attendance.
Asked about his offseason and whether he's looking forward to the start of offseason programs, and Kelce's face lit up.
"I'm looking forward to getting here in Kansas City," the Ohio native said with a smile. "I'll probably get here Monday and I'm ready to kick thing this thing off and get back to the winning mentality we had in the second half of last season."
