Shortly after signing an extension that made him the NFL's newest $100-million man last summer, quarterback Cam Newton gave a shout-out to Roaring Riot. It was a big moment for the Carolina Panthers fan club.
So is this.
Roaring Riot will soon announce a new partnership with the reigning NFL MVP, one that will benefit the Cam Newton Foundation.
Throughout the 2016 season, Roaring Riot's "Tailgate with a Purpose" events will raffle off autographed Newton gear. 100 percent of the money raised, plus donations, will go to the CNF.
"Tailgate with a Purpose" raised $13,000 for Roaring Riot's charities in 2015: the Isabella Santos Foundation, Operation Smile and the Keep Pounding Fund.
This year, the fundraising goal is $20,000.
"When Cam noticed our efforts to unite the fan base last year, especially at away games, it proved we're on the right track," said Zack Luttrell, Roaring Riot's founder. "We're obviously excited to now work beside him.
"Aligning our charity goals with Cam's is a great opportunity for Roaring Riot, and hopefully, the city of Charlotte. Including his Foundation's logo and his autograph on our membership shirts is also a really cool perk."
Roaring Riot will open sign ups for the 2016 season on May 1. A $25 membership includes a jersey patch, a membership card and a T-shirt branded with the CNF logo and Newton's autograph. Members will also have exclusive opportunities to volunteer at CNF events.
Luttrell's goal in Roaring Riot's first full season was to get to 1,000 members. The club now has more than 2,000 members in 20 full chapters spanning 35 states and 10 countries.