OUR GOALS
To support youth and families in need
We provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help young people and families thrive.
to strengthen local nonprofits
We partner with organizations that align with our mission to maximize their impact in the community.
to promote health, education, and
well-being
We support programs that teach life skills, build healthy habits, and strengthen resilience.
to give back to the community
We want to ensure the community that supported Deron continues to provide safe spaces, opportunities, and support for future generations.
DERON'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Position
Kansas City Chiefs Safety
1981-1991
Awards & Highlights
3x First-Team All-Pro (1984, 1986, 1988)
2x Second-Team All-Pro (1983, 1985)
6x Pro Bowl (1983-1988)
"Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award (1988)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
2x Second-Team All-East (1979, 1980)
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education
High School Palymra (NJ)
College Rutgers
Board Members
our team working for a better tomorrow
president & chair of executive committee
Deron Cherry
EXecutive director
Erin Quador
secretary & legal advisor
Bob Gordon
treasurer
Jarvis Bomar
member at large
Inger Brane
member at large
Matt Brane
member at large
Kirk Gordon
member at large
Anna Thomas-Rios
member at large
Jamie Wade
member at large
Terry Riley
board member emeritus
Brian Bailey
about the deron cherry foundation
"charity isn't about the amount you give, it's about the difference we make. We love kansas city."
- Deron Cherry
Promotions Team
Large events manager
MacKenzie Peters
Community programs manager
Ashley Johnson
Promotions team
Michelle Atkinson
promotions team
Julie Schloman
promotions team
Erica Amos
promotions team
Kimberly Rentschler
celebrity golf tournament manager
Dustin Love
promotions team
Pete Curtis
Volunteer program manager
Tarah Stewart-Clark
a simple act of community support changed the trajectory of deron's life.
When Deron Cherry was growing up, a local community member opened the doors of a gymnasium, giving Deron and other kids a safe place to spend their time—off the streets and surrounded by positive influences. That space provided more than just a place to play; it offered structure, mentorship, and opportunity. It allowed Deron to focus on football, discipline, and personal growth during a critical time in his life.
That foundation of support helped propel Deron to an extraordinary career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Over 11 seasons, he became one of the most respected players in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro honors, the prestigious Byron “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year Award, and recognition as the Chiefs’ NFL Man of the Year.
But for Deron, success was never just about personal achievement. After years of unwavering support from Kansas City fans and the broader community, he felt a deep responsibility to give back to the city that helped shape him. The Deron Cherry Foundation was created to carry forward the same spirit of opportunity, care, and community investment that once made a difference in his own life.
Today, the foundation honors that legacy by supporting nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City community—ensuring that others receive the same chance, support, and hope that helped launch Deron’s journey.