Kelce Philanthropy: Millions Raised for Youth and Autism Support

4:05 PM | dr Oz
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    Kelce Family Raises Millions for Autism and Youth Programs
    Kelce Philanthropy: Millions Raised for Youth and Autism Support

    OZ.VGI.CO.ID - The Kelce family has significantly broadened its impact beyond the professional football arena, channeling their influence into raising substantial funds for vital community initiatives. In 2026 alone, the family's charitable efforts generated millions of dollars, bolstering programs dedicated to autism support and the development of underserved youth in both Philadelphia and Kansas City. This widespread generosity underscores a deep commitment to making a tangible difference in the communities that have supported them.

    Record-Breaking Fundraiser for Autism Support

    A cornerstone of their philanthropic endeavors is the annual Team 62 fundraiser, helmed by NFL veteran Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie Kelce.

    The sixth iteration of this event, held on June 24, 2026, at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, shattered previous records by raising an impressive $1.26 million.

    This notable sum directly benefits the Eagles Autism Foundation, an organization that has been a recipient of the Team 62 initiative since 2021.

    Through consistent annual support, the event has now amassed a cumulative total exceeding $3.69 million for the foundation.

    The Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to advancing autism research, implementing community-based programs, advocating for individuals with autism, and providing essential family services.

    During the 2026 event, Jason Kelce spoke to PEOPLE about the foundational work of the Eagles Autism Foundation, stating, "Eagles Autism Foundation has done a fantastic job since its inception in Philadelphia." The lively atmosphere of the fundraiser was enhanced by a variety of activities, including celebrity bartenders, raffles, an online auction, and family-friendly entertainment.

    A particular highlight was an all-abilities football clinic, alongside other engaging programs such as a cheerleading clinic, an Eagles drumline workshop, beach yoga sessions, and various interactive activities designed for inclusive participation.

    Gratitude and Community Collaboration

    Reflecting on the sustained growth of the Team 62 fundraiser over six years, Jason and Kylie Kelce expressed profound gratitude to their supporters.

    In a joint statement, they remarked, "We are beyond thankful for everyone's support and generosity in setting a Team 62 fundraising record…While we are certainly humbled by the overwhelming success this year, it's not surprising when you're surrounded by such an incredible group of people." The couple specifically acknowledged the pivotal role of the Ocean Drive team, which enthusiastically embraced the concept when it began in 2021, making the event a fixture.

    They also extended their appreciation to the Philadelphia Eagles organization, the local government of Sea Isle City, and the unwavering support from fans, emphasizing the collective effort behind their achievements.

    "The growth of this event all starts with our good friends at the OD for enthusiastically leaning into this idea of ours back in 2021.

    Six years later, we now stand here amazed at what we've accomplished for the autism community," Jason and Kylie Kelce shared.

    They further elaborated on the widespread community involvement, adding, "A special thank you also goes out to the Eagles organization, the incredible town of Sea Isle City, and most importantly, the best fans in the world for always showing up and supporting such a worthy cause."

    Be Philly Foundation Supports Youth Development

    In parallel with their autism advocacy, Jason and Kylie Kelce also dedicated significant efforts to youth development through their Be Philly Foundation.

    Their third annual Underdog Golf Outing, held on June 1, 2026, at the prestigious Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, successfully raised $553,500.

    This event attracted 96 paying participants, with all proceeds earmarked for youth programs across the Philadelphia area.

    These initiatives are designed to support children and adolescents facing various challenges, offering them pathways to success.

    Jason Kelce has often spoken about his deep connection to Philadelphia, the city where he built his professional career.

    As he shared with Philadelphia Magazine, "Everything that I've had in my career and everything I'm having post-career was built because of this city and the people who have supported me and our team." Established by the couple in 2022, the Be Philly Foundation has made a significant impact by supporting eight grantee organizations in 2026.

    Their funding extends to critical areas such as youth sports, mentorship programs, educational opportunities, career guidance, and direct assistance for young individuals experiencing housing instability.

    Among the organizations receiving support are notable entities like Safe-Hub, Valley Youth House, and Coded by.

    The Kelce Family's Broader Charitable Footprint

    The philanthropic spirit extends to the entire Kelce family, with matriarch Donna Kelce actively participating in charitable events alongside her sons.

    In June 2026, she joined Jason at the Team 62 fundraiser.

    Earlier, on September 26, 2025, she attended the Kelce Car Jam in Kansas City, an event benefiting her other son, Travis Kelce's, foundation, Eighty-Seven & Running.

    Travis established this foundation in 2015 with the aim of expanding access to educational and extracurricular opportunities for underserved youth, covering fields such as athletics, business, science, technology, engineering, and the arts.

    A notable project supported by Eighty-Seven & Running is the Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, which provides teenagers with hands-on experience in robotics, engineering, and digital media.

    Travis Kelce himself highlighted the purpose of his foundation's car show during an appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, stating, "Proceeds benefit Eighty-Seven and Running, my foundation that helps out underserved youth." His approach to public image, as noted by his mother, often involves using fashion as a means of entertainment and connection.

    "He's a fashionista," Donna Kelce remarked, explaining that Travis's interest in his appearance is primarily aimed at bringing smiles to people's faces rather than achieving unattainable perfection.

    Donna Kelce's Reflections on Athletic Opportunities

    Donna Kelce has also shared personal insights into the evolution of opportunities for women in sports, drawing from her own experiences.

    During a 2024 appearance on The Martha Stewart Podcast, she recounted the traditional expectations she faced as a young athlete.

    Her father, she explained, held "old school" views, envisioning her future primarily as a mother, nurse, or teacher.

    However, she found crucial encouragement from her athletic stepmother, who helped her navigate these societal pressures and pursue her passion for sports.

    "He just had these preconceived notions.

    And thank goodness, I had a stepmother growing up, and she was very good.

    She was an athlete herself, and she kind of helped me," Donna stated, noting her stepmother's role in allowing her to engage in activities her father might not have initially supported.

    Donna Kelce was a talented athlete in track and field, excelling in the high jump and achieving recognition at the Junior Olympics.

    She observed that a significant number of girls discontinued their athletic pursuits during their early teenage years.

    "I love track.

    I was really good at track and high jump.

    I was in the Junior Olympics," she recalled.

    She expressed a strong hope for the continued improvement of athletic opportunities for girls, noting, "And but you know, you get to a certain point in high school and a lot of girls quit, like around thirteen fourteen, and I'm hoping that that will change, and it has really it has changed over time." She further linked the limitations she encountered in her athletic journey to the absence of Title IX protections during that era.

    "But I was doing, I was before night, title night, so there was no point for me to do it," she said, explaining that her competitive experiences were largely confined to intramural activities rather than interschool competitions, limiting her ability to advance further.

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