Donna Kelce’s T-shirt fundraiser turned Jason and Travis’ NFL fame into help for their hometown schools
Her “Rooting for the Offense” shirt supported the Cleveland Heights school community that helped raise her sons
W hen Jason Kelce’s Eagles and Travis Kelce’s Chiefs prepared to face each other in November 2023, their mother found a way to support both sons and give back to the community where they grew up. Donna Kelce teamed up with Jason, Travis and Ohio-based apparel company HOMAGE on a T-shirt fundraiser benefiting the Heights Schools Foundation in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
The shirt’s message, “Rooting for the Offense,” captured Donna’s way of avoiding the question of which team she wanted to win: both sons play offense. The design showed a caricature of Donna in her signature glasses and bangs, sitting on a bleacher bench. One side of her shirt featured Eagles colors; the other, Chiefs colors.
Donna Kelce wanted to give back to the community that raised her sons
The cause was personal. Donna told The Philadelphia Inquirer that Cleveland Heights’ coaches, teachers, students and parents helped teach her sons life lessons and supported their family. “It is so very important for me to help support Cleveland Heights,” she said.
Jason graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 2006, and Travis followed in 2008. The Heights Schools Foundation supports students and staff across the Cleveland Heights–University Heights school system with scholarships, teacher grants and educational programs. The foundation said more than 71% of students in the district received needs-based assistance.
Donna had worked with HOMAGE on the design in the weeks before it was revealed during an Eagles game in October 2023. HOMAGE’s founder surprised her with the finished shirt, which gave the brothers’ NFL spotlight a purpose beyond their matchup. Jason said his mother had found a way to turn the attention surrounding the game into support for the community.
The shirt sold for $36 at launch, with proceeds benefiting the foundation. The reports reviewed did not specify how much the fundraiser ultimately raised. What they did make clear was Donna’s reason for doing it: honoring the Cleveland Heights community that had helped shape her family.
