CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Encouraged by the joy of over 1,200 screaming kids, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's spirits were lifted Monday night at the seventh annual Cam's Thanksgiving Jam.
Newton's foundation partnered with Harris Teeter and kids and families from the Second Harvest Food Bank to serve a Thanksgiving meal to underprivileged kids. The event was hosted by Top Golf Charlotte.
As a role model and a face that people look up to in the Charlotte community, Newton has embraced paying it forward through his foundation and felt inspired by the reactions he got from the kids.
"Just a person that gave them hope," Newton said of what he hopes the kids take away from his appearance. "A person that, No. 1, played with joy, and gave opportunity too. This foundation is more than just me. We give so many opportunities to so many different people and have different branches also. I feel like I am in a position where so many people look at me and what I do and I just have to be able to give back as much as possible."
After a loss as the result of a failed two-point conversion Sunday, Newton admitted he wasn't in the best mood, but the reception from the kids completely flipped his attitude the rest of the night.
Cam's father, Cecil Newton, president of the Cam Newton Foundation, was once again able to witness the impact his son's presence had on the event goers.
"The most important part is the excitement from the kids and Cam being associated with impacting kids more so," Cecil Newton said. "Aside from what goes on in his everyday life, this keeps you grounded and brings you back to reality that your purpose in life is greater than a game."
From a young age, Cecil instilled lessons into Cam that he hoped would be carried with him. An event like Monday's further demonstrates how Cam has put himself out there in the public.
"One of our main mottos is a Scripture (reading) that says, 'Unto whom much is given much is required,' which means it's not just about accumulating wealth, it's about giving back, and giving back means your presence," Cecil Newton said. "Not putting money towards an initiative, but coming in, walking among the people so kids can see you and touch you."
Cam began the event by giving a short speech to the attendees before moving to food stations on each of the three Top Golf levels. He helped serve a heap of food that included turkey, macaroni and cheese (Newton's favorite), mashed potatoes and green beans.
The food was supplied by Harris Teeter, which has been a longtime partner of Newton's foundation. It also gave the kids food to take home and have on Thanksgiving Day, a meal they might not have otherwise had.
"People applaud Cam for what he does on the field; they really should take a look at what he does off the field," said Danna Robinson, communications manager for Harris Teeter. "It’s so important to our community and the kids just have a blast with him here. He is here for one reason only, and it's for these children."
Plenty of entertainment kept the kids occupied while they weren't eating or interacting with Newton, such as face painting, balloon artists, a DJ and drummer, and the opportunity to hit golf balls at several of the bays at Top Golf.
The event has already progressed significantly since last year, when only half of Top Golf was rented out. This year they had the venue all to themselves. Newton imagines the event will be even bigger in the future.
"Our mission next year will be upwards of 1,200 to hopefully 2,000," he said. "My thing is always trying to help and use my influence in a positive way. I understand my job and my role and what my day job is, but also with that, I want to help as many people.”
This event is the normal benchmark for Newton to get him into the holiday spirit. His Pandora playlist will now have a new look for the next month.
"Coming out to see this today definitely put me in the holiday spirit," Newton said. "My whole music genre will change after this. At this particular point over the last couple of years, after this event, that’s when I get into the Christmas spirit."