Levine Children’s Gala Tops $3+ Million

11th annual event, in partnership with The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation, aims to help redefine care at Levine Children’s Hospital

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 31, 2025 –The 11th Annual Levine Children’s Gala welcomed close to 600 guests to Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, March 29, raising over $3 million to benefit Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The charity event was made possible by the generous support of the community – most notably, The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation. 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.

Held for the fourth 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.

The evening kicked off with a Levine Children’s heart transplant recipient leading the Wingate University marching band into the stadium playing James Brown’s, “I Feel Good,” on his trombone.

Emmy-nominated FOX Sports broadcaster, author and award-winning community advocate Erin Andrews emceed before a sold-out crowd and recognized some of Levine Children’s biggest supporters, including The David andNicole Tepper Foundation, Leon Levine Family, The HEARTest Yard/The Greg Olsen Foundation, The Hendrick Family Foundation, and PNC Bank.

“As a foundation that cares deeply for the families Atrium Health serves throughout the Greater Charlotte area, we want every child’s future to shine brightly,” said David and Nicole Tepper. “Levine Children’s Hospital is all about investing in the future of our region’s patients and care teams – and the impactful resource it represents for our community.”

Atrium Health Foundation board member Beverly “Bevie” Hemby had a shining moment during the evening, receiving the Leon Levine Champion of Hope award for her years of advocacy, volunteerism, and investment in Levine Children's – both personally and through her family’s foundation.

On stage, Erin Andrews and national sportscaster and former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen interviewed several children, who all marveled at the life-saving care they received at Levine Children’s. Inspired by their moving stories of hope and resilience, gala attendees gave generously during the bid paddle raise, which featured matching gift incentives from Charlotte’s own Oaklore Distilling Company and Bojangles. The paddle raise and auctions hit record totals.

The celebration culminated with a lively performance by multi-talented musician, DJ, producer, and New York Times best-selling author Questlove, longtime drummer for the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group, The Roots.