Hitting grand slams for the health and wellbeing of children and adults across Greater Charlotte, the Charlotte Knights have recently deepened their commitment to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital through new acts of generosity. In a philanthropic partnership with Atrium Health spanning 26 years, the Knights have stepped up to the plate for local families by establishing the Charlotte Knights Rehab Special Needs Fund.

Created with annual support from the Charlotte Knights Charities Golf Classic, the new fund will aide in patients’ transition from inpatient pediatric rehabilitation at Atrium Health Levine Children’s to outpatient care, and eventually, back home. Families identified for support will receive financial assistance to help with recovery by meeting many essential needs, including in-home mobility and accessibility resources, minor home modifications, and transportation assistance.

Charlotte Knights: Philanthropic legends in the making

The Charlotte Knights’ partnership with Atrium Health began in 1976 when Charlotte Memorial Hospital became the official health care provider to the award-winning minor league team, then known as the Charlotte Oriels. Since then, the Knights have helped to advance breast cancer research, pediatric care and rehabilitation, and numerous community health initiatives championed by Atrium Health.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Levine Children’s Hospital with the inception of the Special Needs Rehab Fund,” said Dan Rajkowski, chief operating officer of the Charlotte Knights. “As a partner of the hospital for almost 20 years, our annual contribution to the fund will support families in need as they continue their journey to recovery. This program, along with the fourth-floor recovery room project completed a few years back, is just a small sample of how the Knights organization can impact these young people dealing with various medical issues.”

Pictured (from left): Charlotte Knights Zach Deloach and Dru Baker hit the greens with fellow players, coaches, and supporters during the 18th Annual Charlotte Knights Charities Golf Classic.

  • Since 2008, the team’s signature charitable event — the Charlotte Knights Charities Golf Classic — has raised over $270,000, enabling Atrium Health Levine Children’s to offer the best pediatric care available in the greater Charlotte area and paving the way for patients to heal and thrive.
  • In 2018, Atrium Health Levine Children’s received a record philanthropic investment from the Charlotte Knights when the team funded a major renovation of the hospital’s 4th-floor rehabilitation playroom, transforming the space into a vibrant, Knights-themed environment where patients are inspired to reach their rehabilitation goals every day.
  • Host of the Hopebuilders 5K since 2022, the Charlotte Knights have generously partnered with Atrium Health Foundation to build hope for local children treated at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Upon welcoming supporters to Truist Field last November, the 5K celebrated a 30-year winning streak, surpassing a lifetime total of $3 million raised to fund specialized pediatric care programs and equipment at Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte.
  • For 21 years, thousands of Charlotte Knights fans have joined the hometown team to become a powerful force behind local breast cancer initiatives through the annual Pink Knights home game. This event honors breast cancer survivors and warriors by inviting a “Dream Team” on the field for a special evening. Featuring pink baseballs, player jerseys, and a charity auction, the annual celebration raises funds for Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s Project PINK, which provides free breast cancer screening to under- and uninsured women in the region in partnership with Charlotte Radiology. The team also supports Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program through special baseball outings designed for patients as part of the AYA program’s efforts to support patients through community connections, peer support, and specialized care.