It all started with a simple post about the Panther’s FanFest. Typically this event is all about fun, comradery and team spirit. But it is also a whole lot of people in one location with an “appropriate” amount of security. So the Panther’s organization decided to make some changes this year. They decided to “sell” tickets at $5 a ticket and donate all of the proceeds from ticket sales. Naturally this ruffled some fur. So in the midst of the complaints I saw an opportunity. Why not change the conversation about this event. The amazing thing about this event is that it brought the Panther fans together. There was no price to be a fan. So even at $5 a ticket some fans can not afford to attend. We felt strongly that this was a chance to come together and make sure those fans still got to attend! So Zack Luttrell, of the Roaring Riot, and I a partnered up to raise money to buy as many tickets as we could! We also wanted to raise some concession money! We then reached out the Good Friends of Charlotte to connect with an organization that had access to the deserving fans we were looking for! They happily connected us with the Bethlehem Center.
What amazing community we live in. How lucky are we. In only a few short days were were able to collect 300 tickets and $2259 for concessions. That means that 300 deserving fans are going to get to walk into Bank of America stadium and feel the excitement of a little ole game I am obsessed with called football. Sincerely…I just was bold enough to spit out the idea. Zack did most of the work to make this actually happen. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends around that will take my ideas, support them and then make a reality! And Zack did not disappoint!
I could go on for days about how the Roaring Riot and the community Zack has built has changed my life! Single ladies…I connected and then reconnected with Shawn on a Roaring Riot trip…need I say more! But mostly I just feel such a call to help the community around us. I am so glad to have a group that can balance fun and charity so naturally. While this was not a Roaring Riot donation I would be remiss to not give credit where it is due. If you would like to learn more about how you can support our community through the Roaring Riot make sure and join us at a home tailgate! Stay tuned for more details on this year’s tailgate!
And today I am proiud that we were able to dropped off the tickets at the Bethlehem Center.
Here is some more about the Bethlehem Center…
“OUR APPROACH IS TO CREATE A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE EMPOWER FAMILIES, CENTER INSTRUCTION ON EACH INDIVIDUAL AND TRAIN FOR PERSONAL EXCELLENCE TO PROVIDE A CONTINUUM OF CARE.”
“…able to provide over 80,000 hours of education and 300,000 meals to the children and families we serve.”
I am excited to get more involved with the center in the future. I am glad to know that a place like this exists in Charlotte. I am going to sign up to be a volunteer, if anyone would like to join me that would be a wonderful honor! Thanks again for all of your support. -C
