While the food itself was delicious enough to make anyone smile, what made the event even more memorable were the special servers who not only doled out heaping portions of food but a welcoming grin and a kind word, as well.

These servers included Bobcats players Keith Bogans, Brevin Knight, Raymond Felton, Matt Carroll, Kareem Rush, Jake Voskuhl, Alan Anderson and Bernard Robinson along with Sting guard Helen Darling, Bobcats Assistant Coach JB Bickerstaff and the wives of many of the coaches and players.

Wanting to show their appreciation and gratitude, the players arrived at Maggiano’s ready to work and give back something to the Charlotte community that has already given them so much. Donning aprons, the players lined up and helped serve food to over 130 men, women and children from The Salvation Army, A Child’s Place, Thompson Children’s Home and Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte as well as several Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

“I just think we’re very fortunate and lucky to be doing what we’re doing,” Bickerstaff said. “Not everybody is that fortunate. It’s important to remember that we all came from somewhere. There was always somebody there for us and someone who helped us. It’s what you should do - come back at every opportunity and try to help people.”

After filling everyone’s plates, the players then headed to the dining room where they sat at each table and mingled with those in attendance. The expression on the faces of the children was priceless as they sat next to and talked with some of their favorite players.

The kids also had the chance to hear a story from some of the players, as Raymond Felton and Matt Carroll hosted a Discovery Place Read To Achieve Reading Timeout and shared the book Turkey Surprise with a captivated audience. In addition, everyone received a special surprise as the players handed out goody bags filled with Bobcats gear along with tickets to an upcoming game to all those in attendance.

“By looking at the kids and their smiles, I think it was a great success,” said Broderick Knight, a director with the Boys and Girls Club. “I think they really, really enjoyed it. They’re appreciative when they are able to get out in the community and be part of something like this. It makes them feel really good.”

The kids were not the only ones who had a good time at the event. The players also left the event feeling a little better than when they arrived.

“It feels good,” said Rush. “My family is not here in Charlotte so it gives me a little bit of joy to be able to come out and see the smiling faces, sit down and interact with the people and have a good time.”

Another individual who attended the Hoops for Hope Dinner and was also able to experience a little bit of joy was Daria Mouton, who evacuated to Charlotte from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Being able to be part of this event and others like it has helped Mouton feel welcome in a strange city.

“The invitations have been overwhelming,” she said. “Our minds have been on the experience we had, and this helps put our minds on other things and makes us feel good. The restaurant is beautiful and everyone has been really friendly. This experience has been great. Everyone is doing whatever possible to make us feel at home.”

Being able to have a positive impact like this on people, especially children, is one thing Matt Carroll enjoys about his role as a professional basketball player.

“I really enjoy doing it,” he said. “To me this is the other aspect of our job. Besides being entertainers on a basketball court, we should be out here doing this stuff. Kids look up to us and if we can touch their lives in a positive way, then I feel we have an obligation to do that.”

Touching lives like they did at the Hoops and Hope Dinner on Monday is something the Bobcats, in partnership with NBA Cares, will look to continue to do throughout the holiday season as they participate in their Season of Giving.