North Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets and Mills Automotive Group, based in Pineville, organized the second annual Hornets Hoopin’ Holidays event on December 10 at Spectrum Center. This initiative was held in collaboration with the Central Carolinas chapter of A Kid Again, a nonprofit organization that provides free local activities for families with children facing life-threatening conditions. During the event, over a dozen children decorated basketballs alongside Hornets players Mark Williams, Nick Richards, Seth Curry, and KJ Simpson. The participants also had the opportunity to have their basketballs autographed by the players, which they took home as keepsakes.

Hornets Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event: “We are thrilled to again host Hornets Hoopin’ Holidays here at Spectrum Center in collaboration with Mills Automotive Group. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to invite kids from A Kid Again here to the arena, and for them to take part in this fun and festive event with our players – it’s a great reminder for all of us what the holidays are really about.”

The partnership between the Hornets and Mills Automotive Group began in 2023 with the inaugural Hornets Hoopin’ Holidays event. During that first event, children from A Kid Again painted custom sneakers in collaboration with Shoedio, a local business. The annual event is part of the franchise's Season of Giving initiative.

Mills Automotive Group CEO Damian Mills commented on the partnership: “We’re really proud to partner with the Hornets again for this initiative, and to make a collective impact within our community, especially during the holiday season.”