On November 2, Atrium Health Foundation hosted the 29th Annual Hopebuilders 5K, presented by Morris-Jenkins. The event drew over 750 participants, uniting corporate sponsors, competitive runners, families, and care teams in a shared mission to honor the special children in their lives. Together, the dedicated community raised $135,000 (and counting) for Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, showcasing their deep commitment to the health and well-being of local kids.
Event founders Gigi and William Harris joined 750+ people in building hope for families at Levine Children’s.
Addressing participants at the starting line, Callie Dobbins, senior vice president of Levine Children’s, said, “For over 15 years, we’ve been recognized as a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. But it’s not just about our status – it’s about the patients we treat, our dedicated and compassionate team, and the generous donors who support us. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you and a special shoutout to two of Hopebuilders’ founding partners, Gigi and William Harris. Thank you for your generous support and for trusting us with this event that holds such meaning for both your family and ours.”
The success of this year’s event was bolstered by the generous contributions of sponsors: Morris-Jenkins, Barings, Samet Corporation, Metrolina Greenhouses, WCNC Charlotte, HITS 96.1, Green Brothers Juice & Smoothie Co., and Summit Coffee Eastover. Presenting sponsor Morris-Jenkins also emerged as the top corporate fundraising team, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to Levine Children’s and the families it serves.
Patient families and teams from departments throughout Levine Children’s also set the bar high with their strong turnout and contagious energy. Standout groups included Care for Rare, SC Care Team, Rheumatology Rockstars, Team Family Futures, Pulmonary Superheroes, Cuties Not Cooties, Transplant Troopers, Kidney Krusaders, and more.
Care for Rare raised over $23,000 for the Ward Winslett Center for Complex and Rare Diseases at Levine Children’s – a remarkable achievement for their inaugural year. Their efforts inspired WARD’S Foundation to provide a $20,000 matching gift, further amplifying the impact of their fundraising efforts.
Care for Rare (left) and Morris-Jenkins (right) were honored as the top community and corporate fundraising teams at the event.
Almost 30 years since its inception, the Hopebuilders 5K continues to inspire tremendous generosity from the Charlotte community and beyond. To learn more about opportunities to support Atrium Health Levine Children’s, visit AtriumHealthFoundation.org/LCH.