Cam Newton's $150K Gift: Cash to Boost School Spirit and Achievement
Cam Newton's charitable foundation has given a $150k gift to a new initiative set up to benefit Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The charitable foundation of the Carolina Panthers' quarterback has launched the new program with the cash injection in an attempt to help boost school spirit and student achievement.
According to a statement made by the foundation, Bradley, Randolph and Thomasboro Academy middle schools will each benefit by receiving $50,000 from the funds.
The cash gifts will be donated with the purpose of developing customized programs to enhance the cultural environment, as well as increase student achievement, boost student engagement, and advance health and wellness.
The initiative is all part of the Cam Newton Foundation's "School Pride Program," which also has famous sports game developer EA Sports as a partner.
Newton is famed in the NFL for being the third player to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and be the first overall pick in the NFL draft all in the same one-year span. Others who have also achieved that feat are Leon Hart from all the way back in 1950, and Angelo Bertelli who achieved it in 1944. However, Newton is the only one of the three to also have won "Rookie of the Year."
Just in January this year Newton was named to be heading to the Pro Bowl after the New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Newton was able to take that spot because Eli Manning was one of the three quarterbacks for the NFC to be selected, and with Newton being picked as the NFC alternate later in December, Newton was able to play in the Pro Bowl with Manning headed to the Super Bowl.
Newton finished the Pro Bowl with 186 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Newton was named both "AP Offensive Rookie of the Year" and "Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year" on Feb. 4, 2012.