First Horizon Bank and Charlotte Hornets Join Forces to Empower Youth with Basketball Distribution

Empowering Youth in the Carolinas through Basketball

In an inspiring collaboration, the Charlotte Hornets have named First Horizon Bank as the presenting partner for their initiative, Bee-Ball for All. This program is a vital part of the second annual Impacting the Carolinas campaign, aiming to spread the joy of basketball among the youth of North and South Carolina. The initiative will provide 10,000 basketballs to various Boys & Girls Club locations, ensuring that countless children can engage with the game while fostering mentorship, wellness, and literacy.

A Celebration of Community Engagement

On July 23, 2026, leaders from First Horizon Bank, the Hornets, and the Boys & Girls Clubs gathered at Northridge Middle School for a spirited launch event. The occasion featured a youth basketball clinic led by Hornets legends, demonstrating not just the joy of the sport but also its role in personal development. Justin Rutledge, Senior Vice President and Charlotte Market President for First Horizon Bank emphasized the program's far-reaching impact beyond simply giving away basketballs. He remarked that the initiative serves as a gateway to youth development, thereby creating inclusive opportunities for every child.

Laura Bunn, Executive Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional President for the bank, added, “Sports foster essential skills such as teamwork and discipline that these children will carry throughout their lives.” Emphasizing the significance of community reach, she highlighted that the program benefits more than just Charlotte; it serves youth in over 200 Boys & Girls Clubs across the Carolinas.

The Ripple Effect of Bee-Ball for All

Betsy Mack, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Hornets Sports & Entertainment, remarked, “Partnerships like this enable us to achieve far greater community impact than we could alone. We deeply appreciate First Horizon Bank’s dedication to investing in our youth and strengthening communities throughout the Carolinas.” The Bee-Ball for All initiative not only empowers children by providing them with basketballs but also embodies a commitment to fostering confidence, growth, and community connection through sports.

With the Impacting the Carolinas program launched in 2025, the Hornets aim to strengthen their community presence and further their mission of being the team representative of the Carolinas. This initiative highlights how sports can transcend local boundaries, helping children across a vast region to develop essential life skills while enjoying the game they love.

About First Horizon Bank

First Horizon Bank, headquartered in Memphis, TN, operates across 12 states in the southern U.S. As a leading regional financial services company, it focuses on empowering communities and clients while offering a range of financial assistance services. With $84.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026, First Horizon continues to be recognized as a top employer and reputable bank in the U.S., dedicated to fostering growth and support in every community it serves.

About Hornets Sports & Entertainment

Established in 1988, Hornets Sports & Entertainment owns the beloved Charlotte Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League. With a commitment to community engagement, they work tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the Carolinas through various programming. The recently renovated Spectrum Center stands as a testament to their dedication to high-quality sports and entertainment in the region.

Through initiatives like Bee-Ball for All, First Horizon Bank and the Charlotte Hornets are making a tangible difference in the community, reminding us all of the power sports can have in bringing people together and nurturing the next generation of leaders.