Kansas City Gears Up for the Kelce Car Jam Block Party
In the heart of Kansas City, an unforgettable event recently took place — the Kelce Car Jam. This epic block party, hosted in the lively Crossroads Arts District, brought together over 800 enthusiastic attendees for a spectacular evening filled with vintage cars, live performances, and community spirit.
A Celebration Like No Other
The Kelce Car Jam is much more than just a car show; it’s a celebration of community and an effort to uplift local youth through STEM education. Organized in collaboration with Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his philanthropic organization, the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation, this event is focused on raising funds for the Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough. The lab aims to provide essential educational resources to underserved kids in the area.
The Platinum XP Touch
To pull off this incredible event, the planning and production company Platinum XP played a pivotal role. According to Lauren Rios, vice president of sales and marketing at the company, teaming up with Kelce’s foundation is a fantastic way to not only showcase their creative capabilities but also to raise their profile as top event producers.
“When a celebrity like Travis Kelce is involved, the visibility is heightened,” Rios explained, highlighting the importance of influential partnerships.
Turning Passion into Action
For over five years, Platinum XP has crafted numerous fundraisers for the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation, aligning each event with Kelce’s passions and vision.
Kris Nardini, the CEO of Platinum XP, expressed his excitement: “My favorite part of getting to work with the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation is being involved in their unique vision every year.” He emphasized how the team thrives on moving beyond traditional venues to create more immersive and engaging experiences.
Cruising Through the Night
This year’s Kelce Car Jam featured an impressive showcase of over 30 luxury and classic cars, including some prized possessions from Kelce’s own collection. A standout was a 1969 Chevelle, impressively converted into an electric car by the Ignition Lab students, demonstrating the hands-on learning opportunities provided by this initiative.
As a nod to the local culture, Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne entertained the crowd, and several of Kelce’s Chiefs teammates, such as Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, came out to support the cause. Kelce aptly summed it up on his New Heights podcast: “Kansas City always shows up, baby. That’s why I love it here.”
Community Support and Partnership
Event coordinator Emily Manahan noted the vital role of community support in making the Kelce Car Jam a reality. She said, “I love being able to work with a cause that benefits local youth and brings the Kansas City community together.” The event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from local businesses, including Hummer EV, Zen Wtr, Casa Azul, Garage Beer, Raising Cane’s, and Andy’s Frozen Custard.
A Fulfilling Experience for All
In a city known for its hospitality, the Kelce Car Jam certainly lived up to the hype. With its blend of star power, community involvement, and charitable purpose, the event created lasting memories for all who attended, proving once again the strength and unity of Kansas City.
