LS CARES winner Meers’ message ‘has made KC Wolf so much more than a mascot’

Dan Meers is undeniably identifiable as the Kansas City Chiefs’ exuberant and beloved mascot KC Wolf, but on Jan. 23, Meers was recognized for his extensive work for the betterment of his community and beyond.

Meers was presented with the Lee’s Summit CARES’ Lifetime Achievement award at the 2020 Mayor’s Character Breakfast. Also honored at the event was the late Gene Gamber with the Community of Character Memorial Award, and Xtreme Gymnastics with the Ethics in Business Award.

Meers, whose team just won the Super Bowl, was lauded for the tremendous platform he has as a team mascot. It is estimated that he has spoken to more than 3,000 school audiences, sharing his “ABC’s of Character” message with hundreds of thousands of young people. Meers also speaks at libraries, day cares, summer camps, churches as well as numerous events.

All of Meers’ proceeds from his recently published book, “Mascot on a Mission,” is donated to missions and ministries. He also regularly spends time at local mission centers such as City Union Mission and Shelter KC, as well as taking his wolf costume on overseas mission trips.

Last June, Meers and his family traveled to Tanzania where he used the KC Wolf costume to connect with children and adults while participating in projects designed to help create sustainable food sources for impoverished areas.

“Dan has had a profound impact on the Chiefs’ Kingdom because of his character, humility and focus on others,” Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said in a statement. “With endless energy, an infectious positive spirit and gift for entertaining, Dan’s message of character and encouragement has made K.C. Wolf so much more than a mascot.”

Community of Character Memorial Award recipient Gamber first got involved in the community when he spearheaded a successful campaign to build a new senior center that was named for him when it opened in 2008. Among Gamber’s accomplishments noted was his critical work in the expansion of the Lee’s Summit Airport and in helping procure funding for the Gateway Monuments in Lee’s Summit.

Gamber also formed Citizens for Excellence, and was involved in founding the Friends of Lee’s Summit — two organizations instrumental in passing pivotal bond issues for public safety, road, parks, and the arts.

He served as the treasurer on the Park Sales Tax Election Team which passed by an 80% margin, the highest in the state of Missouri for a park sales tax.

Among Gamber’s other involvements were with the Chamber of Commerce as chairman; the Senior Citizens Advisory Council, which he formed; Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council; the Lee’s Summit City Round Table; the Industrial Development Authority board; the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation as treasurer; and as chairman of a John Knox Village gala that raised more than $200,000 for improvements.

For the Ethics in Business Award, Xtreme Gymnastics was praised not only for its business culture, but for its owner’s efforts in helping to make making key changes in legislation.

The company was lauded for its initiative over the last year “to engage, educate, equip, and empower” all staff through core values that magnify their culture and their dynamic community.

Xtreme’s owner TJ Rehak was recognized for character in his business and in his community.

In 2013, the Missouri Department of Revenue audited Xtreme for amusement tax. The company said its attempt to settle a finding was rejected, forcing them to start collecting sales tax when their competitors were not. Xtreme’s case was settled after Rehak joined a press conference about the issue along with legislators, lobbyists and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Rehak went on to lobby for two pieces of legislation that later passed, including the Notification bill that requires the state revenue department to notify businesses of a change in sales tax law interpretation. In 2016, Missouri Senator Will Kraus filed a bill to exempt instructional classes from sales tax, which passed both the House and Senate, but was vetoed by the governor.

The bill, however, was passed in the September veto session, thus no longer requiring Xtreme to charge its customers sales tax.

In addition, when Lee’s Summit CARES Business Sector chose to offer grants for community service, Rehak sponsored two grants that aligned with his business’ vision and mission and, when able, accompanied the students when they initiated their service project.

Those receiving Reflections of Character awards at the breakfast were: Rebecca Steele, Respect; Don Frizzell, Sportsmanship; Jason Langston, Cooperation; Matt Wansing, Responsibility; Damion Cooper, Appreciation; Susan Newsam, Kindness; Kriss Kringle, Generosity; Susie Gale, Perseverance; Detective Chad Cox and Zandra Gottman, Courage; and Angela Hunsucker, Family.