CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Eyes turned and jaws dropped when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton stepped into the room Monday night. Women screamed like teenage girls at a Justin Bieber concert as the NFL MVP made his way through the crowd.

Few at Roman Harper's third annual charity event held in the rooftop restaurant Fahrenheit expected Newton to appear despite being invited.

Among those was Harper, who spent the last two seasons as Carolina’s starting strong safety before returning to New Orleans this season.

Newton not only showed up he was the life of the “Hope 4 Tomorrow" gala that raised more than $80,000 for Harper’s “Hope 4*1 Foundation" that benefits children’s education.

Along with more than a dozen of his teammates, Newton served food to those who paid big bucks to have NFL stars become waiters. He posed for pictures and signed autographs.

He did all of this with his infectious smile, not the scowl that he had following a 41-38 loss at New Orleans that left the Panthers 1-5 heading into their bye week.

Did I mention Cam Newton is drawing a crowd at the Roman Harper "Hope for Tomorrow"... https://t.co/t7WFcbLt38 pic.twitter.com/JG1XcyQpAm — David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 25, 2016

Two high-paid servers in Panthers LB Luke Kuechly and QB Cam Newton at the Roman Harper... https://t.co/AejzKI52Is pic.twitter.com/qYSpmhsylb — David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 25, 2016

Newton even donated for auction one of his one-of-a-kind hats that cost him far more than the $1,000 for which it sold.

This is the Newton whom teammates see on a daily basis. This is the player they call their leader, the one they believe can help them rebound from a disastrous start filled with inconsistent play and mistakes.

“It all starts at the QB," said safety Kurt Coleman, the honorary host for the event. “We believe Cam is the face of this team. If we want to make it to where we want to go, we need him to lead us."

The bye week apparently was good for Newton, who did what coach Ron Rivera asked and got away from football. He apparently got away from Charlotte entirely, judging by his Instagram posts.

Newton appeared refreshed, confident. As he collected “Harper Bucks" donors gave as tips, he flashed the smile he had throughout last season’s 15-1 regular-season and run to the Super Bowl.

His teammates appeared refreshed, as well. The negativity that hung over them after the loss to New Orleans was replaced by optimism they could turn this season around.

It was evident earlier in the day in practice, as well.

“It’s what we’re about," Coleman said as the Panthers prepare for Sunday’s game against Arizona, a rematch of the NFC Championship Game. “What people don’t see in the locker room is that we are all for each other.

“I know the start hasn’t been what we all envisioned, but the great thing is we have a great opportunity ahead of us. We have to come together. This is only one glimpse of what we see on a daily basis."

Harper sees the same camaraderie now that helped the Panthers climb from a 3-8-1 hole in 2014 to win the NFC South. He’s not saying this team can rebound and become only the second team since 1990 to start 1-5 and make the playoffs, but he wouldn’t bet against it.

“The Carolina Panthers have really good guys in their locker room," said Harper, who hopes to return to Charlotte permanently when he hangs up his cleats. “It’s not always about X's and O's. Those guys in the locker room are really good guys and they care. When you have that, you’re going to be successful."

That Newton cared enough on this night to go from superstar to waiter spoke volumes about him as a leader and where he is mentally. Coleman said it took only a friendly reminder to make it happen.

“We all were frustrated after the [New Orleans] game," he said. “I feel like this week off and how we went into the bye week and how we practiced [on Monday], it’s been very positive for everybody -- not just Cam.

“Guys needed a refresher. We’re coming back charged. If we can just execute, we can play with anybody."