Carolina Panthers partnership brings smiles to W.D. Williams Elementary School

Sixth Annual Joy to the Carolinas stops in Swannanoa for surprise holiday celebration

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 5, 2024

A partnership between the Carolina Panthers, Coca-Cola Consolidated and The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation generated screams of excitement from students and teachers at W.D. Williams Elementary School, Dec. 4, as the Sixth Annual Joy to the Carolinas made a stop in Swannanoa.

The event, which included a holiday show featuring the Carolina TopCats cheerleaders and former Panthers players, Jonathan Stewart and Charlotte native Kenny Moore, delivered shoes, coats and toys to students at W.D. Williams and North Cove Elementary Schools.

The program expanded its outreach this year to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, according to organizers.

Hosted by Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields, the show kicked off a day of surprises for local children, who each received an individual gift, following the performance. Teachers and students faced off in a dance contest, while appearances by Panthers mascot Sir Purr, the Coca-Cola polar bear and Buddy the Elf were met with shrieking cheers.

W.D. Williams staff were treated to lunch and gift card through the initiative, which will also provide campus improvements for the schools, including debris removal, playground upgrades and more.

The partnering organizations later hosted a subsequent holiday dinner at the Biltmore Estate, hosting community partners and frontline workers to show appreciation for “their valiant recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” a statement announcing the event stated.

Photos of the Sixth Annual Joy to the Carolinas program at W.D. Williams Elementary School in Swannanoa can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.