Back in January 2024, Travis Kelce’s impact in Kansas City extended beyond the football field. The Chiefs tight end and his charitable foundation, 87 & Running, helped longtime Kansas City resident Gloria White remain in the home she owned for 56 years.Travis Kelce, in partnership with local nonprofit organization Rebuilding Together Kansas City, provided essential repairs and safety improvements to Gloria White’s deteriorating home.The 79-year-old former shot put star athlete expressed gratitude. “I would like to say that I thank God for Travis and this foundation. It has brought many tears to me of joy, not of sadness,” she said. Travis Kelce’s 87 & Running Foundation help rebuild Gloria White’s home Gloria White, who attended the U.S. Olympic trials, reached out to Rebuilding Together Kansas City for help with her deteriorating home. The sewage was leaking into the basement and had damaged the basement steps.The organization examined the property and found additional repairs were needed to make the residence safer and more comfortable.“When we looked at her home, we realized there were lots of other things she needed - a new roof, she needed gutters, she needed safety latches on the doors, she needed work in the bathroom and kitchen,” Rebuilding Together Kansas City executive director Scott Hickox told KSHB 41. “We were able to do some significant work.”Additional improvements included a new hot water heater, a kitchen sink, and modifications to improve accessibility and safety.According to KSHB 41’s report, Travis Kelce learned about Gloria White’s circumstances from former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor. Otis Taylor was connected to Gloria through family.After learning about the residential turmoil, Kelce’s foundation, 87 & Running, provided sufficient funds to cover the necessary repairs to Gloria’s residence.Recognizing Kelce’s efforts, Rebuilding Together Kansas City executive director Scott Hickox told KSHB 41, “Gloria desires to stay in her neighborhood, and the neighborhood is better because she’s here.For Travis and his foundation to care about his community and what’s happening in Kansas City, this meant the world; he could partner with us.”After the repairs, Gloria said, “I love it here, and I even love it more now.” She felt like a “Wonder Woman.”The repairs were crucial because Gloria was dealing with arthritis and joint pain. The residential improvements let her move around her house with immense ease.She also got to stay in her Eastern Kansas City home, where she had lived for 56 years, all the while raising her own children and hosting neighborhood kids in the backyard. Gloria White’s sporting background Gloria White had an accomplished athletic background. She broke several records in her school. She competed in track and field and reached the U.S. Olympic trials. She also made history as the first Black cheerleader at her middle school in Topeka, Kansas, according to PEOPLE.Gloria White probably stayed in the newly renovated house for months in bliss before passing away in November 2024. Join conversation View All Comments → Share your thoughts in the comments Post Comment Be respectful · TOI community guidelines As per her obituary, White earned an Inhalation Therapy certificate at St. Joseph Medical Center. She worked at the Retail Grocery Association and retired from Gasket Engineers.Gloria’s favorite pastime was being a pillar in the community. She provided meals, watched the slews of children, raised some of them, sang at numerous church services and funerals, besides being a die-hard sports fan. She excelled in shot put, and her record stood for 19 years. She is survived by two daughters.Usually, nobody cares about the elderly, especially about how they live in their broken homes that need repairs. But Travis Kelce did. He gave Gloria White an everlasting memory. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.