Panthers Host Over 1,000 Children at 7th Annual ‘Joy to the Carolinas’ Event

The Carolina Panthers and the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation brought more than 1,000 children to Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday for the seventh annual Joy to the Carolinas event. Each child left with toys, coats, winter gear, shoes, and a hot meal.

Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered with the Teppers. Second Harvest Food Bank picked many kids through its Kids Cafe Program, while others arrived from Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, YWCAs, and community centers scattered throughout the Carolinas.

"There's honestly nothing that makes me happier than seeing kids with smiles on their faces," said Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. "Not only are they getting something great to eat, but they're getting shoes and jackets, and we're just really, really grateful to The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and the Carolina Panthers for making this possible.

Over 30 players attended. Quarterback Bryce Young showed up. So did center Austin Corbett. Holiday decorations filled the stadium halls, and a blue carpet entrance with snow welcomed guests.

"We always give all year long, but there's something about the holidays," said Nicole Tepper. "There's a lot of stress on the families and just a lot of stress in general, so to be able to give them this for one night is so fun."

David Tepper noticed the strong player turnout beat previous years.

"We told these guys they're ambassadors of joy," said David Tepper. "And for these kids, the players are a part of their Christmas presents, just their presence." 

Nicole Tepper said the foundation wants to create lasting memories while teaching kids the value of helping others. "To be able to set them up with coats and toys and food and an experience that they will probably never forget, hopefully we're able to show the players and the people that are volunteering to pay it forward," she said. "And that's really the whole story."

Players discussed why giving back matters. "I didn't grow up with everything, so a lot of these kids are in the same situation I grew up in," said defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

Corbett stressed that team success stretches past game results. "There's an understanding of winning culture goes more than just points on the scoreboard," he said. "It is everything that you do."

Young mentioned how teammates react to the event. "Everyone looks forward to it, the sign ups for it," he said. "They fill up right away."

"The Carolinas mean so much to us, they support us through so much, so to have an opportunity like this to give back, it's super special," Young said, according to Queen City News.