Dare To Dream Campaign Raises Over $66 Million for Levine Children’s Hospital
Last night, more than 700 members of the community gathered for a night full of surprises to celebrate the opening of the new Levine Children’s Hospital. Smoky Bissell, Chair of the Dare To Dream capital campaign revealed the first surprise, announcing that the campaign has raised $66,030,011 for the new children’s hospital. The additional $11 was given by Evan Levine, son of LCH benefactors Julie and Howard Levine and grandson of Sandra and Leon Levine. After his parents committed $1 million to the campaign, Evan was inspired to begin saving his own money to help make a difference for kids.
Mr. Bissell continued to surprise guests, announcing that Sandra and Leon Levine committed an additional challenge gift of $5 million to begin an endowment at Levine Children’s Hospital. Following his remarks, Mr. Bissell found himself on the receiving end of a special surprise as Michael Tarwater, President and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System, announced the creation of the Sara H. and Howard C. Bissell Endowed Chair of Pediatrics, the first endowed chair in the history of Carolinas HealthCare System.
Guests were wowed with a final surprise when the curtains dropped and legendary singer Dionne Warwick entertained children of all ages for the remainder of the night.
Although the evening was full of wonder and surprise, the success of the Dare To Dream campaign was a shock to no one. “The Campaign has been an amazing experience,” said Michael Rose, President of Carolinas HealthCare Foundation. “Levine Children’s Hospital is the result of a caring and gracious community.”
Leading the way philanthropically were Sandra and Leon Levine. The couple’s lead gift of $10 million was followed by a gift from Mrs. Christa Overcash for $5 million, as well as a $3 million gift from the Linda and Rick Hendrick Family. The new children’s hospital, the Atrium, and the 6th Floor-Ricky Hendrick Centers for Intensive Care, respectively, were each named in honor of these generous benefactors.
“This hospital really is a modern-day medical marvel,” said Michael Tarwater. “Until someone steps up to the plate and builds something better, we are it in terms of being the newest and brightest thing in pediatric care.”
