Levine Children’s Gala Raises Record $5.5 Million  

10th annual event, presented by PNC Bank and held at the home of Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, will help thousands of children 

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 8, 2024 –The 10th Annual Levine Children’s Gala welcomed more than 500 guests to Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, April 6, raising a record $5.5 million to benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser was made possible by the generous support of the community – most notably, presenting sponsor PNC Bank. Guests celebrated Levine Children’s Hospital with a “Where hope shines” theme, recognizing the community’s role in providing a bright future for patients and families in the Charlotte region.  

A major bright spot in the evening was an unprecedented paddle raise for $3 million by Sandra Levine, who along with her late husband Leon Levine contributed the lead gift to establish Levine Children’s Hospital in 2007. The donation, made through The Leon Levine Foundation, will launch the Sandra and Leon Levine Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Atrium Health. The funding addresses the shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists in the region by supporting three fellows per class, every year, as they complete their two-year fellowship at Atrium Health.  

“We are honored to be involved in such an important endeavor addressing the critical behavioral health needs of our youth,” said Sandra Levine. “It’s wonderful to know there will be an immediate impact on the local workforce, as we graduate more child and adolescent psychiatrists who are available to treat our children.” 

The Levine’s youngest daughter, Amy Dawson, also had a shining moment during the evening, receiving the inaugural Leon Levine Champion of Hope award for her years of advocacy and investment in Atrium Health Levine Children’s. 

Held for the third consecutive year at the home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, the gala was attended by national and local celebrities, athletes, philanthropists, community leaders and representatives of Atrium Health and Levine Children’s. Corporate supporters included PNC Bank, The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, HEARTest Yard/The Greg Olsen Foundation, Hendrick Family Foundation, Truist, Rodgers Builders, Brighthouse Financial and Office Environments. 

Four-time Emmy winner, author and non-profit advocate Molly Grantham emceed before a sold-out crowd and recognized some of Levine Children’s biggest supporters, including The Levine Family and PNC Bank, the presenting sponsor of the gala since its inception in 2015.  

“As a company that cares deeply for the communities we serve, we want every child to have a bright, healthy future,” said Weston Andress, PNC regional president for Western Carolinas, acknowledging PNC’s longstanding support for Levine Children’s. “This gala is all about shining a light on our region’s patients, care teams and supporters – and the impactful resource Levine Children’s represents for our community.” 

Guests were serenaded by 15-year-old Jack Palmer, who played the Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun,” on his guitar and shared his story of recovering from a life-threatening illness at Levine Children’s rehab unit. Other patients shared their stories on stage, encouraged by national sportscaster and former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. 

Inspired by these moving stories of hope, gala attendees gave generously during the live and silent auction and the bid paddle raise, hitting record totals in each area.  

The celebration culminated with a lively performance by best-selling rapper, singer and songwriter, Flo Rida.  

The Gala Committee included: Robbie and Andrew Adams, Joclyn and John Balanda, Candy and Darren Bing, Monica and Armando Chardiet, Janelle and Todd Collins, Amy and Alfred Dawson, Mandy and Todd Houser, Tara and Jackson Hughes, Emily and Tyler Johnson, Kara and Greg Olsen, Ana and Manuel Rey, Maria and Gonzalo Wallis, Nazy and Durham Weeks, and Joy and Hunter Widener. 

 

 

About The Leon Levine Foundation 

Established in 1980 by Leon Levine, the founder of the first Family Dollar Store in Charlotte, N.C., The Leon Levine Foundation support programs and organizations that improve the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, human services and Jewish values. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the Foundation invests in nonprofits across North Carolina and South Carolina with strong leadership, a track record of success, and a plan for financial sustainability. Through its investments, the Foundation intends to create pathways to self-sufficiency, champion strategies for permanent change, and facilitate opportunities for growth. To date, the Foundation has paid over $350 million in grants in its history.  

 

About PNC Bank 

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. 

 

About Atrium Health  

Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing $2.8 billion in 2022 in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.