It was in this spirit that the Bobcats hosted their second annual Holiday Party for Kids on December 16 at the Extravaganza Depot.

To say thank you to their fans, the Bobcats invited over 220 children of season ticket holders to join with them in a holiday celebration. While the night was designed to be full of fun and excitement, it was also a teaching tool to help the kids learn the importance of sharing what they have with others.

To gain admission to the party each child had to bring with them an entrance fee -- an unwrapped toy, which will be donated to the Salvation Army in a special Christmas Eve delivery.

“We brought toys for the kids who wouldn’t have Christmas,” said Brittany Fritz who brought three different toys to contribute. “It’s important to give.”

Jasmin and Amber Pride also came to the party, gifts in hand.

“We brought them for someone who needs them,” they said. “It’s nice to do that. Everybody in our family gives us things, so we can donate something to someone who needs it.”

Jasmin and Amber were also excited to get the opportunity to interact with the Bobcats players.

“We want to see our favorite players,” they said grinning from ear to ear. Jasmin couldn’t wait to meet Gerald Wallace while Amber was anticipating seeing Emeka Okafor and Sean May.

They didn’t have to wait long to get their wish, as the players were introduced on the stage to the sounds of thundering applause.

After the introductions, the players joined the kids for a time honored holiday tradition, cookie decorating. Sprinkles and frosting were in plentiful supply as the kids and players worked side by side creating edible masterpieces. The kids also had a great time shooting baskets, playing foosball and getting their faces painted while snacking on treats from Kraft.

“It’s all about having fun today,” said Bobcats guard Kareem Rush. “We got to get the kids in the holiday spirit, got to make cookies and just have a good time.”

“Doing events like this means a lot,” he continued. “A lot of people aren’t as fortunate as we are, so these kids came out here and donated an unwrapped present to needy kids so it was good to do that.”

The kids also had the chance to get to know the Bobcats players a little better during a question and answer session, where they learned everything from how old the players were to why they like to play the game of basketball.

“It’s been an exciting event,” said Jake Vokuhl, who brought along his own daughters to join in the fun. “The whole team really enjoyed it.”

As did the kids, who not only left with a special commemorative autographed basketball, but memories to last a lifetime.

“This was such a great idea to have this just for the kids and let them interact with the players with adults interfering,” she Kim Hargett as she came by to pick up her kids.

“This was a fabulous event,” remarked Bobcats Vice President of Community Relations LaRita Barber, as the final smiling kids left the building. “We had a great turnout. Anytime we can do something to recognize our fans, it’s great. We also showed them the importance of kids giving back to other kids.”