Panthers QB CAM NEWTON hosted his third annual kickball tournament in Charlotte on Friday, which served as the "start of a two-day fundraising weekend" for Newton’s eponymous foundation. Among those in attendance at the tourney were Buccaneers QB JAMEIS WINSTON, Redskins CB JOSH NORMAN, Hornets C CODY ZELLER and F FRANK KAMINSKY and former NFLer TERRELL OWENS. Newton then hosted his "Kids Rock!" gala on Saturday night at the Charlotte Convention Center (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/10). The “Kids Rock!” drew more than 450 people. Newton and co-host MICHAEL STRAHAN conducted the live auction of various events, including a package to Super Bowl LII. Guests included Norman, Owens, Auburn football coach GUS MALZAHN, former MLBer GARY SHEFFIELD, Panthers TE GREG OLSEN and C RYAN KALIL, Texans QB DESHAUN WATSON and WME/IMG's CARLOS FLEMING, who reps Newton (THE DAILY). Newton said, "I try to do as much in the community of Charlotte as well as Atlanta as I can, and this is no different.” He added of his foundation, "We just try to have a positive controlled, healthy environment that people can have a good time. People can come together, no matter what race, creed, or color you are, and just have a great time" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/11).
THE GOOD STUFF: The Panthers' Olsen will host his second annual The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K on June 17. The "more people who beat him across the finish line the better," since 100% of the proceeds from the event will "benefit Levine Children’s Hospital" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/11)....The Nationals Dream Foundation raised nearly $400,000 at this weekend's 12th annual Dream Gala for its initiatives focused on the arts, academics, nutrition and sports for children and teens in the DC region (THE DAILY)....Saints RB MARK INGRAM and DE CAM JORDAN yesterday took part in a "Lip Sync Battle." Ingram "represented the Mark Ingram Foundation," while Jordan "put on his performance for the United Way" (THEADVOCATE, 6/12)....Patriots TE ROB GRONKOWSKI held his annual Citi Football Clinic on Saturday at Connolly Memorial Stadium in Massachusetts. Gronkowski "played catch and provided pointers to the hundreds of participants, ranging from grades 1 through 8" (BOSTON HERALD, 6/11)....Jets WR ERIC DECKER and his wife, singer JESSIE JAMES, "took to the field for the City of Hope’s celebrity softball game in Nashville on Saturday" (N.Y. POST, 6/11)....Former Dallas police chief DAVID BROWN and Mavericks F HARRISON BARNES on Saturday "took part in an afternoon basketball camp for kids of all ages" (DALLASNEWS.com, 6/10).
