Max is so excited to announce this very special giveback and project. In fact, it might be the most exciting thing Max Mix has done since it launched in late 2023.
As you all know, a big part of Max’s mission is to give back to the community and so far, Max Mix has given back over $5,000 to local charities and has donated numerous gift sets for events and silent auctions. But this give back is extra special.
Max and Maddox became fast friends at the age of about 3 when they both met at preschool. In addition to school, they participated in all kinds of activities together including events at Variety KC. Each with different challenges, they found ways to support and love each other. Maddox, who had muscular dystrophy, gave his time to MDA and Make a Wish. He loved learning, firefighters, Abraham Lincoln, Dolly Parton and museums. Like Max, he was a big Chiefs fan and especially KC Wolf. Maddox was a true champion for Variety KC and was featured in many of their marketing campaigns and has an exhibit named for him at the Kansas City International Airport terminal. He was always happy to help drive awareness.
We lost Maddox suddenly in early 2021. Our family had just moved to Minnesota for Rod’s job. The move was tough and the world was about 9 months into COVID. Telling Max the news was among the hardest things we have ever had to do.
Frankly, we weren’t sure how Max would handle the loss. He was able to travel back to Kansas City for his memorial service but we can understand and admit now that we weren’t fully prepared to support Max. We know now that we were too dismissive of the complexity of his feelings, the grief he would endure, and the mental health challenges that were soon put in front of us.
In addition to honoring a great friend, this project is about helping Max mourn and process the loss and find purpose from it. It is also about Mom and Dad learning and acknowledging that people with Down syndrome have can have just as complex feelings as anyone else and their grief and sense of loss is just as real and just as difficult to understand.
This project is about celebrating Max and Maddox’s special friendship and continuing to support and honor the great work Maddox did for organizations like Variety KC.
Max has created a special edition spice blend in honor of Maddox, and named it Mad Dog Magic BBQ Spice Blend. Mad Dog was Maddox’s nickname on the sports field. From our recollection, it started at Challenger Flag Football and it stuck. Only 1,000 bottles have been created for this giveback. Max is donating 100% of all proceeds from the sale of this special blend to Variety KC.
When all bottles are sold, Max will present a check to Variety KC for $10,000 in Maddox’s honor. Max Mix is underwriting the cost of this project. The first bottles will be auctioned off exclusively at the Variety KC Gala on May 3rd at the Overland Park Convention Center and then Max will begin to take preorders in early May until it is sold out.
Variety KC has an amazing history and impact on Kansas City. Since 1934, they have helped kids in the KC area by providing essential devices and opportunities for inclusion and today are trailblazers and difference makers for creating inclusive playgrounds and spaces around Kansas City. They make an impact by providing children with disabilities access to programs and services that empower them to redefine their abilities and reimagine their possibilities. Please learn more about Variety KC at www.varietykc.org.
Now, about the spice blend. Mad Dog Magic BBQ Spice Blend is an all-purpose BBQ blend created with Maddox’s favorite flavors in mind. A little smokey and a little sweet, just like the Mad Dog himself, it is perfect for all your summer grilling proteins like steaks, burgers, chicken, pork, vegetables. Like Max’s other blends, Mad Dog Magic is free of fillers, no msg, and gluten free and kosher. The label features a picture of Max and Mad Dog Maddox clowning around like they usually did and the label color is purple, which is Max’s favorite color.
We want to express a special thank you to Tracey Truitt, Maddox’s father, whose encouragement helped us make this project a reality. It is with great pride and excitement that we offer this spice blend to honor the friendship of two great buddies. Please share and enjoy.
