Eddie and Shimika Kennison established “Quick Start - The Eddie Kennison Foundation” in 2003. After Shimika was diagnosed with Lupus, the Kennison’s made it one of their personal goals to do whatever they could to find a cure for this disease and raise the awareness level about Lupus in the general public. In addition, they support families who are dealing with Lupus in a compassionate and caring manner, while educating others about what life is like for those suffering from Lupus. The other objective of the foundation is to fund local scholarships in Kansas City and Eddie’s hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana .

Throughout their time in Kansas City , the Kennison’s have partnered and financially supported The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR), a national voluntary health organization. Fundraising efforts for Quick Start have come as a result of ongoing events, including Showtime! Changing Lives in Style Gala their major fundraising gala.  As a result of events such as these, Quick Start has awarded 6 scholarships to deserving students, and they are renewable for 4 years. Two of these recipients have Lupus. Quick Start and the Kennison’s also co-host the ALR’s annual “Walk with Us” to find a Cure walkathon held each Spring in Kansas City .

 In 2005, Eddie traveled with Chiefs President Carl Peterson to visit soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC . There, the two spent the majority of their time in the amputee ward. In 2006, Eddie was approached by the U.S. Army’s “Wounded Warrior” program and granted a wish to one of its soliders critically injured in the line of duty. After the devastating distruction left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Eddie helped with the volunteer and clean up efforts that destroyed many areas of his home town and the surounding areas. Eddie can also be found regularly at Children’s Mercy Hospital, visiting with terminally ill children, their families, and others inflicted with serious medical conditions.  He is an annual participant in: Read Across America, Chiefs Charity Game Bowling Party, First Downs for Down Syndrome Motorcycle Fun Race, Carl Peterson Golf Classic, Chiefs Night benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, Trent Green Golf Classic, Tailgating with Trent, Turkey Trot for Ronald McDonald House, Brian Water’s Celebrity Waiters Night, Tony Gonzalez’ Shop with a Jock, Chiefs Kids Clinics, American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon. Other events in his home state of Louisiana, include: Christus-Schumpert Children’s Classic Pro-Am benefiting Sutton Children’s Hospital, and the Doug Williams/James “Shack” Harris Foundation Celebrity Classic, creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Louisiana.