The following is a report on major fundraising events taking place in September 2016 to benefit Carolinas HealthCare System facilities, programs, and initiatives.
Jeff Gordon Kick-It Tournament
Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation literally “kicked” childhood cancer this fall through their annual participation in “Kick-It”, a national charity kick ball tournament series that locally raised $50K for the Torrence E. Hemby Jr. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Levine Children’s Hospital. Among participating teams were many hematology-oncology staff members and physicians, known as the FIGHT Crew, including Dr. Javier Oesterheld.
Give Here For Kids Here Telethon
From sunrise to sundown on September 15, NBC Charlotte viewers and hospital supporters from across the greater Charlotte region watched heartwarming stories of patients, families, and caregivers at Levine Children’s Hospital. The 18-hour Give Here for Kids Here telethon, presented by Morris-Jenkins and many other generous community partners, highlighted the world-class care patients receive at Levine Children’s Hospital and raised a record $137K.
Pictured: Callie Dobbins,Vice President, Facilities Executive for Levine Children’s Hospital with honorary guests “Dr.” Jenkins (Dewey Jenkins, owner of Morris-Jenkins) and “Dr.” Bobby (of Morris-Jenkins).
The 6th Annual Stiletto Sprint
Returning for its 6th year, the Stiletto Sprint, which benefits the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute, brought together survivors, advocates, and caregivers to support women fighting ovarian cancer in our community. Held September 17 at SouthPark Mall, the 70-yard sprint (stilettos required) also drew a dedicated group of participants from LCI including GYN-oncologists Drs. Brown, Crane, Hall, Higgins, Naumann, and Tait, along with additional CHS teammates from Levine Cancer Institute’s Gynecologic Oncology Center. With their help, and that of many generous supporters and sponsors, net proceeds from the Stiletto Sprint topped $87K.
The CHS Young Ambassadors
Demonstrating the power of philanthropy at any age, 19 youth philanthropists were honored on September 20 at the CHS Young Ambassadors celebration. Their contributions to CHS patient programs and resources were carried out through individual and collective fundraising efforts or personal donations ranging from $19 to over $30,000. Through activities ranging from bake sales, to lemonade stands and school-wide fundraising campaigns, these remarkable children and teens—ages 3 to 15—are making a difference in the lives our patients, one dollar at a time. Mike Rucker, honorary “Team Captain” of the Young Ambassadors, helped to recognize the young philanthropists for their achievements.
Serve for the Cure
This September, a group of dedicated student-athletes, coaching staff, and faculty from area high schools rallied for breast cancer patients in our region during “Serve for the Cure”, a charity volleyball tournament held at Charlotte Latin. 50% of proceeds from the event benefit the Teresa Flippo-Morton, MD, Surgical Oncology Fund at Levine Cancer Institute. This fund honors the life and memory of Dr. Flippo-Morton, a leading surgical oncologist from Levine Cancer Institute, who lost her own battle with cancer in 2015.
Eastwood Homes Charity Golf Tournament
Eastwood Homes has been a proud supporter of Levine Children’s Hospital since 2007, reinforcing its enduring commitment to growth in the Carolinas. In addition to donating a portion of every Charlotte-area sale to the hospital, Eastwood also held its 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing this September at Raintree Golf Club, raising an additional $60K in hospital support.
RE/MAX Executive Link Up for Kids
Organized by RE/MAX Executive, Link Up For Kids took place on September 26 at Cedarwood Country Club in Charlotte. The charity golf event raised $25K for Levine Children’s Hospital as part of the company’s long-standing commitment to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. RE/MAX Executive is one of the largest RE/MAX contributors to CMN Hospitals, having raised more than $125K for Levine Children’s Hospital from Link Up For Kids golf tournaments held in years past.
Pink Pint Night
Pink Pint Night, held in partnership with Charlotte Radiology and NoDa Brewing Company, is the signature fundraising event for Levine Cancer Institute (LCI): Project Pink. Thirsty for more than just a refreshing beverage, Pink Pint Night attendees and supporters sought to make a real difference in the lives of women in our community. Their support of the annual event, held this year on September 29 at NoDa Brewing Company, translates into greater awareness and funding that provides mammography and follow-up breast cancer screenings to women who are uninsured, at no cost to participants. Donations and pledges made in connection with Pink Pint Night exceeded $40K in charitable support for LCI: Project Pink.