Kansas City T-shirt company raises over $85K for family of fallen KCFD firefighter-medic

Yahoo

30-04-2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It has only been two days since Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman was killed in the line of duty, and local organizations are already stepping up to support his family in the wake of the tragedy.
Joe and Dawn Eddings of — a firefighter-owned shop in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in USA-made shirts, polos, jackets and other clothing — released a new and to raise funds for his family.
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'We were approached by some firefighters who wanted to do something to help support the family during this time with any financial burdens that may come along. So what we have to offer is T-shirts,' Joe said.
'That's what we do for a living. We print T-shirts. But surprisingly, it's a powerful tool for raising money.'
Since the shop released its new design, less the 24 hours ago, the orders have been accumulating rapidly. And according to the owners, the funds are adding up to more than they could have imagined.
'I think last I checked it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $85,000 raised, you know, just from a T-shirt. But that's the power of community when people come together and support a cause like this,' Joe said.
The shirt, which features a graphic design on the front and back, showcases the crest of Kansas City Fire Department Station 42, the station where Hoffman was permanently assigned at the time of his death.
On the back, the words 'pumper' and 'medic' can be seen, as well as the crest surrounded by fire in the colors of the American flag.
According to the shop, orders have come in from a number of cities and countries around the world. Some shirts have been ordered and processed for far-off states, like Oregon, and others are being prepared for completely different continents, like Australia.
'People from all across the country have been ordering them,' Eddings said. 'I mean, they're coming in by the dozens. That's the power of community when people come together and support a cause like this.'
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Through all the success and the orders, the Eddings could have chosen to use these proceeds to benefit the growth of e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing. But Joe said that was never the point.
The entrepreneur dedicated 27 years to the fire service before retiring a couple of years ago, and after hearing the tragic story of Hoffman's death, he knew he needed to help in any way possible.
'We're very proud just to be a part of it. Even though I didn't know Graham personally, he was still a brother of mine, you know? So it's a very strong brotherhood and sisterhood. And in times of need, we come together to support each other,' Joe said.
All proceeds will go to the Hoffman family, and as the orders continue to pour in, the Eddings say they are grateful for all the people who ordered a shirt and contributed to the Hoffman family fund.
'Logistically, it's going to be trying, but hey, we're here for it. So, if we have to print overnight for two weeks, then that's what we'll do. I think the employees are on board with it, too. Everyone is behind this effort. So we're going to do whatever it takes,' Joe explained.
They are currently preparing to make and ship all of the orders and say that the shirt will be available until May 9.
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The Eddings said people can find updates on the memorial T-shirt fundraiser on the e2 Embroidery & Screen Printing Facebook page.
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