Keep Pounding
Keep Pounding has become a team mantra in honor of late Carolina Panthers player and coach Sam Mills. Mills first used the phrase "Keep Pounding" as a coach in an emotional speech to the team prior to the Panthers' playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 2, 2004. He spoke about commitment, dedication to teammates, team effort and never giving up. Mills asked the players to "Keep Pounding."
The spirit of Keep Pounding encourages cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones to always "Keep Pounding" to overcome obstacles in their lives, just as we hope that someday a cure will be found and cancer will be overcome.
Similarly, the on-going mission of Keep Pounding is to raise vital funds for important cancer research and patient support programs for the Levine Cancer Institute at Carolinas Medical Center. Panthers fans have supported the initiative in a variety of ways. Contributions are generated through team fundraisers, the assistance of team partners and valued donations from community organizations and individuals.
Keep Pounding Fund
Created by the Carolina Panthers and Carolinas HealthCare Foundation in 2003, the Keep Pounding Fund supports cancer research efforts at Carolinas Medical Center. Since its inception, the Keep Pounding Fund has raised more than $1.4 million. For more information and to donate, visit Carolinas HealthCare Foundation.
Keep Pounding Online Auction
The Carolina Panthers are pleased to offer fans the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind signed items and other popular favorites through the Keep Pounding Auction, hosted by NFL Auction. One hundred percent of auction proceeds benefit the Keep Pounding Fund and important cancer research efforts at the Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center.
Keep Pounding Drummer
Immediately following the coin toss before every home game, an honorary drummer rallies the entire stadium by hitting the massive six-foot Keep Pounding Drum four times to signify four quarters. Keep Pounding Drummers come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations, but all have overcome a great trial or adversity that has not only made them strong but also pushes them to make others around them stronger.
Keep Pounding For A Crucial Catch
The Carolina Panthers are proud to honor those who are fighting or who have overcome the battle with breast cancer as part of the NFL's Crucial Catch celebration. During the team's Crucial Catch home game each October, the Panthers recognize local fighters and survivors with the ultimate fan experience - two tickets to the game, access to the Panthers' sideline for pregame warmups, Panthers swag bag and shopping experience from Belk. Complete the Crucial Catch form to nominate someone special.
Keep Pounding 5.1 Blood Drive
The Carolina Panthers and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas host the Keep Pounding 5.1 Blood Drive annually on May 1. The date pays tribute to late Panthers player and coach Sam Mills, who coined the phrase "Keep Pounding” during an emotional speech before the Panthers' NFC Wild Card game versus Dallas during the 2003 playoffs. The blood drive benefits 21 area hospitals in North and South Carolina.
Keep Pounding 5k
Held every May, the Keep Pounding 5K features a one-of-a-kind course that includes a challenging ascent to the top of Bank of America Stadium and thrilling finish on the field. Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and patient support programs at Levine Children's Hospital.
Keep Pounding Kids Game Day Program
The Carolina Panthers and Levine Children's Hospital provide terminally ill and hospitalized children and their families with VIP experiences at Panthers home games. In addition to receiving tickets and premiere parking, the patients and their guests are invited to watch pregame festivities and warm-ups from the Panthers' sideline, where they enjoy a special visit from a player and Sir Purr.
Levine Children's Hospital Visits
Through a partnership with Carolinas Medical Center, the Carolina Panthers make monthly visits to Levine Children's Hospital, including a special visit by the Rookie Class in October to celebrate Halloween.
