First Horizon Bank has been announced as the presenting partner for the Charlotte Hornets' signature youth initiative, "Bee-Ball for All."
This activity is the core of the second annual "Impact the Carolinas" program, aimed at distributing 10,000 basketballs to youth through Boys & Girls Clubs locations in North and South Carolina. The goal is to expand basketball participation while creating opportunities for mentorship, healthy living, and community engagement.
To officially launch the initiative, leadership from the Hornets, First Horizon Bank, and the Boys & Girls Clubs, along with Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues, gathered at North Ridge Middle School on July 23 to announce the two-state basketball distribution plan and host a youth basketball clinic.
Justin Rutledge, the Charlotte market president for First Horizon Bank, stated: "This is not just about distributing basketballs; it is about opening doors for youth development in multiple ways." Laura Bunn, the bank's Mid-Atlantic region president, added: "Physical activity fosters teamwork, discipline, and skills that last a lifetime. Bee-Ball for All helps us extend our impact to more than 200 Boys & Girls Clubs across the Carolinas, ensuring opportunities are shared across many communities, not just one city."
Betsy Mack, the Hornets' senior vice president of community impact, noted: "Collaborations like this allow us to create a far greater impact than we could alone. Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to grow, learn, build confidence, and connect through the game of basketball."
The "Impact the Carolinas" initiative, launched in 2025, is designed to strengthen the Hornets' community presence and regional footprint across North Carolina and South Carolina.
First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN) is a leading regional financial services company with $84.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026. Its banking subsidiary, First Horizon Bank, operates in 12 southern U.S. states, offering commercial, private banking, and wealth management services.