Major Gifts
Francis Robicsek, MD, PhD Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery
On April 19, nearly 100 distinguished colleagues, patients, and friends came together at Quail Hollow Club to recognize Dr. Frances Robicsek in a special way, donating a remarkable $3.5 million to create an endowed chair in his name. The Francis Robicsek, MD, PhD Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Surgery at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute will promote new research and academic initiatives while enabling Sanger to recruit, support, and retain the most talented cardiovascular surgeons from around the world.
Mattei Family Cardiac Innovations Fund
Thanks to a $1 million commitment made earlier this year by CHS and Foundation Board member Jim Mattei and his family in support of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, a new Mattei Family Cardiac Innovations Fund will ensure that both adult and pediatric patients in the region will have optimal access to the latest cardiac treatment advancements and technologies for their care. This continues a long tradition of generous philanthropy at CHS by the Matteis.
Receptions for Research / The Greg Olsen Foundation
For Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers, giving back is a family affair. Thanks to the continuing generosity of Greg and his wife Kara–and supporters of their charitable foundation, Receptions for Research–families of patients at Levine Children’s Hospital who face the burden of life-threatening congenital heart conditions have hope for a brighter future. The Olsens’ HEARTest Yard Initiative has generated over $400,000 this year through proceeds from the HEARTest Yard Golf Classic, Walter Payton Man of the Year NFL Award, and various other fundraising initiatives.
Edward Kim, MD, lends fancy footwork to the fight against cancer
In March, Levine Cancer Institute’s very own Edward Kim, MD, was invited to participate in Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala, a night of fancy footwork and fun that benefits charities across the community. Leading up to his participation in the event, donors supported Dr. Kim and his partner by casting “votes” through donations made to the Cancer Innovations Fund at Levine Cancer Institute, benefiting Phase 1 clinical trials program offered at LCI. Thanks to the support of audience members and community supporters, as well as a surprise appearance by his son Alex, Dr. Kim not only won he performance contest but also raised over $74,000 to benefit LCI.
Fundraising Events
Cycle to the Sea
From April 6-8, more than 35 cyclists and adaptive hand-cyclists achieved the amazing feat of riding more than 180 miles, over 3 days from Charlotte to North Myrtle Beach, raising more than $73,000. Read more.
Peter Oosterhuis Championship
On May 5, Carolinas HealthCare Foundation and legendary British golfer Peter Oosterhuis hosted the Peter Oosterhuis Championship at Quail Hollow Club. Attended by close to one hundred supporters, including award-winning CBS sports announcer Jim Nantz, the event raised awareness and gross proceeds of more than $340,000 for the Carolinas Alzheimer’s Disease Fund. Continue reading.
Speak PINK
On May 12, over 250 people gathered at the Ritz Carlton in Uptown Charlotte to raise funds and awareness for local breast cancer programs and research. The first annual Speak PINK, presented by Charlotte Radiology and hosted by Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, featured a luncheon, and special presentations from breast cancer survivors (including Susan Olsen, who appeared with her son Greg of the Carolina Panthers) and CHS oncologists. Learn more.
Sarcoma Stomp
Support from the local Paula Takacs Foundation for Sarcoma Research is enabling Levine Cancer Institute to offer newly developed, sarcoma-specific clinical trials across its regional network. The most recent one, which involves chemotherapy and one of the new novel immunotherapies, is one of the only types of trials in the country that will allow patients with soft tissue sarcomas to participate. On April 29, the Paula Takacs Foundation’s annual Sarcoma Stomp benefited from over 1,000 participants and raised $170,000 to support these ongoing research efforts underway at LCI.
Miles for Melanoma
This April, hundreds of community supporters gathered at Charlotte’s Arboretum area for the Miles Against Melanoma 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run & Kids Dash benefiting the Carolinas Melanoma & Immunotherapy Fund at Levine Cancer Institute. Net proceeds from the annual 5K benefit melanoma prevention and research programs, as well as patient special needs at Levine Cancer Institute. The event was founded in 2012 by Heather Joyner who lost her sister, Amy Robinson, to melanoma and has raised over $112,000 throughout its history.
Play Anything Day raises record fundraising proceeds
On May 3, The Maney, Roy and LauRen Morning Show on WNKS KISS 95.1 hosted the 6th Annual Play Anything Day fundraiser for Levine Children’s Hospital. The morning show team hit the airwaves at 6am, taking requests in exchange for a donation to the hospital and vowing to stay on the air until they raised $60,000. After an energetic day of special song requests and fundraising the team hit this fundraising milestone at 7 p.m.