Carolina Panthers fans will roar, scream and yell to help support their home team during the NFC Championship game on Sunday. And as many of the team’s players have attested, a strong showing of support from their fans can make a huge difference.
The same can be said for the support Panthers’ team and individual players have shown for many causes in our community. Whether it’s a pair of players cutting their hair for a good cause; a foundation that provides in-home help for babies born with congenital heart defects; or providing an unforgettable Christmas memory, the Panthers have an established history of giving back to the community. Here's just a few of the things the Panthers have done to reach out to the community:- Panthers’ Olsen Walks the Walk for Foundation’s Cause (The Daily Dose) Carolina Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen is having a career year. He’s helped the team to the playoffs and was named to the Pro Bowl again. But even during the team’s historic run, Olsen continues to support and lend time to a personal cause close to his heart — and many other hearts.
- The heart of Carolina Panthers star Greg Olsen (Charlotte Observer) Luann Register first met Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte in 2014. She was crying at the time. Luann and her husband, Brian, had thought until the day of his birth that their son, Brantley, was going to be a normal baby… But Brantley was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital birth defect. The Olsens had never met the Registers before that day in 2014, but they have kept in touch with them ever since through social media, birthday parties and hospital visits. And The HEARTest Yard Fund that Greg Olsen set up for families with HLHS who are treated at Levine … gave the Register family some peace of mind as well as hundreds of hours of free nursing care.
- Graham Gano makes visit to children's hospital, donates $6K (WSOC) Carolina Panthers kicker and hero of several games this year, Graham Gano, visited patients at Levine Children’s Hospital to spread some Christmas cheer in December. Through Kicks for Kids, Gano has donated $250 for every field goal made to the Keep Pounding fund to benefit pediatric cancer programs at the hospital – more than $6,000 to date.
- Panthers Give Back for the Holidays (Panthers.com) Many Carolina Panthers’ made a special visit to Levine Children’s Hospital before Christmas to meet with some of the children staying at the hospital. The players spent time making crafts, chatting and spreading holiday cheer to the kids.
- Cam Newton spreading holiday cheer (ESPN) Every year as part of his “Christmas with Cam” initiative, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton invites young patients from Levine Children’s Hospital and their parents, to a Panthers game as his guests. On Dec. 13, as Newton led his team to a 38-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, 11 youngsters battling various ailments were cheering the Pro Bowl quarterback and his team from the quarterback’s suite inside Bank of America Stadium.
- Panthers CB Charles Tillman and wife put their hearts into Charlotte (Charlotte Observer) Carolina Panthers cornerback Charles Tillman is putting down roots in Charlotte with an initiative that’s close to his heart. His foundation held its first benefit in Charlotte in January to support the Tiana Fund, which is named after Tillman’s young daughter and will provide financial assistance to families in need at Levine Children’s Hospital.
- Panthers rookies bring Halloween to hospital (Panthers.com) Patients at Levine Children's Hospital were treated to a surprise in October as Carolina Panthers rookies, dressed in their Halloween best and armed with candy and footballs, visited with children at the hospital. It's the 12th consecutive year for the visit, and with the help of Sir Purr, the Panthers were able to reach out to about 150 patients.
- A tale of two dad helping the families of babies with heart disease (NBC’s TODAY Show) TODAY's inspiring Together We Make Football series looks at the founders of The HEARTest Yard Foundation, who united Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and fan Greg Galloway to help provide at-home nursing care for families at Levine Children’s Hospital whose babies were born with congenital heart defects.
- Cancer patient’s wish comes true – goes to Panthers game (Fox 46 Charlotte) A longtime Panther fan got the surprise of his life. Bryant Petteway has been battling cancer for more than two years now and had not been able to make it to a game. He was receiving treatment at Levine Cancer Institute in September when nurses and doctors played a key role in helping make Petteway’s dream came true with a special message from his favorite player, Thomas Davis, inviting him to a VIP treatment for a game.
- Newton, Carolinas HealthCare System team up fight childhood obesity (WCNC) Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Carolinas HealthCare System are teaming up to fight childhood obesity. The program is called "Healthy Together" and encourages healthy habits. "I feel this is an unbelievable blueprint to put kids in a better state of mind," said Newton, who unveiled a new character called "Action Ace" to motivate young kids.
- Panthers get haircuts for good cause (Panthers.com) Wide receiver Brenton Bersin and offensive lineman Brian Folkerts often discussed how and when they would cut their long, luscious manes. The idea they ultimately decided on couldn't have been any better. In February, Bersin and Folkerts had their hair cut and donated their locks to Wigs for Kids – an organization that provides needy children with hair replacement. Carrie Keuten, event coordinator at Levine Children's Hospital, explained how vital donations are for children who have lost their hair because of illness. "This is incredible," Keuten said. "Hair is really important for these kids. It's important for their self-confidence, their self-esteem."
