Red Friday shifts to Thursday ahead of Chiefs opener
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Lit up red for past Red Fridays. Photo: Dominick Williams for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Red Friday is actually Red Thursday this year, as the Chiefs and Ronald McDonald House Kansas City launch their annual flag fundraiser ahead of the season opener.
Why it matters: The annual event combines our passion for football with a good cause — raising money for the families of children receiving medical care in KC.
The big picture: This year's limited-edition flag features the words "How 'Bout Those Chiefs," a phrase often used by head coach Andy Reid.
- They're sold at McDonald's around the metro, and proceeds directly benefit RMHKC, with past years raising as much as $1 million.
Context: The Chiefs open the season at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday, but organizers say "Red Monday" didn't quite fit the vibe.
- Friday is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a day organizers say should be reserved for remembrance.
What they're saying: Thursday can be a day that's all about the "razzle dazzle" of the Chiefs Kingdom and Ronald McDonald House, RMHKC chief executive Tami Greenberg tells Axios.
- "The enthusiasm for this continues to grow," she says, adding that fans started asking her for the date before the Chiefs' schedule came out.
By the numbers: Each flag goes for $5 in person or $10 online.
- The team prints a limited number of flags that inevitably sell out, although that number isn't publicized.
- The fundraiser has generated more than $7.5 million in the past 13 years, per the Chiefs.
Follow the money: You don't have to go far, since all the funds stay in KC, Greenberg says.
- RMHKC operates 94 beds and helps thousands of families per year, covering the lodging costs for families who travel to KC for care.
- The fundraiser, one of the org's biggest of the year, goes toward operating costs.
Fun fact: Organizers sold magazines the first year of the fundraiser in 2012.
- "That was OK," Greenberg says, "but the flags have just been selling like hotcakes."
What's next: Sales start at 6am, with additional locations around the metro selling flags at different times throughout the day.