Carolina Panthers, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, and Coca-Cola Consolidated Support Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene with the 6th Annual Joy to the Carolinas Program
This week, the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, Carolina Panthers, and Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered to extend their 6th Annual Joy to the Carolinas program to Western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The holiday initiative kicked off on Wednesday, Dec. 4, with special events at W.D. Williams Elementary School in Swannanoa and North Cove Elementary School in Marion. These events included festive assemblies and holiday giving programs designed to bring joy and support to students and educators in the region.
Joy to the Carolinas Program: Special Guests and Surprises Representatives from the Tepper Foundation, Carolina Panthers, and Coca-Cola Consolidated delighted students with a fun-filled, holiday-themed assembly. Notable guests included Panthers legends Jonathan Stewart and Kenny Moore Jr. at Swannanoa, and Dwight Stone at Marion. The events also featured the TopCats, Sir Purr, and the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, adding extra excitement to the day.
Gifts and Campus Improvements for Students and Teachers
After the assemblies, Nicole Tepper, Kristi Coleman, Panthers representatives, and Coca-Cola Consolidated team members visited classrooms to distribute Santa sacks. These special bags were filled with coats, shoes, toys for students, and gift cards for teachers and school staff. The items were packed by the Panthers and Coca-Cola Consolidated teams at Bank of America Stadium earlier in the week.
Additionally, the event included significant campus improvements, such as debris removal by the Coca-Cola Consolidated Response Team and the announcement of a new playground at North Cove Elementary School.
Celebratory Dinner at The Biltmore Estate for Community Partners
In a show of gratitude, the Joy to the Carolinas program also hosted an appreciation dinner at The Biltmore Estate in Asheville. This intimate event honored community partners and local frontline workers for their tireless efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Nearly 300 special guests, including members from MANNA Foodbank, World Central Kitchen, Global Empowerment Mission, the American Red Cross, and Team Rubicon, were invited. Also present were Coca-Cola Consolidated community partners such as Haywood Christian Ministry and Biltmore Church, along with local first responders.
The evening featured speeches by David and Nicole Tepper, as well as Heather Hucks from Coca-Cola Consolidated. Attendees were treated to a festive experience, which included a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a warm thank-you from Panthers Legends Stewart and Moore. All guests received gift cards, commemorative Coca-Cola bottles, and unique pieces of local art as tokens of appreciation.
A Lasting Impact in Western North Carolina
The 6th Annual Joy to the Carolinas program exemplifies the power of community collaboration, with local organizations and corporate partners coming together to bring hope and support to those in need. Through these impactful events, the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, Carolina Panthers, and Coca-Cola Consolidated are helping to rebuild communities, spread holiday cheer, and thank those who have worked tirelessly to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
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