Spotlight
Annual Report 2024
Impact of Giving
Reflections
A Message from our Board Chair:
This report spotlights just a few of the many gifts that, large or small, are making such an incredible difference in peoples' lives.
I'm honored to lead an organization that is so integral to advancing the health of our community. Together, we are uplifting those who need us most—improving access and making a tremendous impact on the patients we serve.
Mandy Houser
Board Chair, Atrium Health Foundation
Dear Friends,
The road ahead is full of opportunity, as we chart new paths through philanthropy and travel to our $500 million goal. Together, we will achieve the extraordinary.
Thank you for your role in helping us redefine care and for inspiring transformational giving in our community!
Armando Chardiet
President, Atrium Health Foundation
Major Milestones
February 5, 2024
Atrium Health School-Based Virtual Care
receives generous support from LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda and his family
Read More...
February 8, 2024
Bloomberg Philanthropies
invests in first-of-its-kind health care-focused high school in Charlotte
Read More...
February 10, 2024
WARD’S Foundation’s A Rare Affair
advances rare disease care at Levine Children’s Ward Winslett Center for Complex and Rare Diseases
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March 2, 2024
Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala
benefits from Levine Children's SVP Callie Dobbins, dancing in support of pediatric care and the arts
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March 2, 2024
Beyond the Pink Runway
hosts a one-time fashion fundraiser to support the Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer program at Levine Cancer Institute
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DMarch 6, 2024
Carolina Panthers and Morris-Jenkins
team up for patients at Levine Children’s Hospital through the Kicks for Kids community initiative
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March 15, 2024
Ed Brown Community Center
opens in West Charlotte through a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Atrium Health
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April 6, 2024
10th Annual Levine Children’s Gala
raises record $5.5 million for pediatric care in Charlotte
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April 20, 2024
The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K
scores touchdowns for congenital heart patients at Levine Children’s in Charlotte
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May 12, 2024
Wells Fargo Championship
celebrates over two decades of support for Levine Children’s Hospital and local beneficiaries
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June 11, 2024
Carolyn McCall Williams
leaves a lasting legacy for lung cancer research at Levine Cancer Institute
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June 21, 2024
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
awards $749,000 grant to Levine Cancer Institute to advance targeted therapies for treatment-resistant lymphomas
Read More...
June 22, 2024
14th Annual Keep Pounding 5K
celebrates record turnout with nearly 1,800 supporters
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June 25, 2024
The Paula Takacs Foundation
debuts Growing Hope Through Art program at Levine Cancer Institute
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July 16, 2024
Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation
receives #7 national ranking from U.S. News & World Report
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July 18, 2024
The Cannon Foundation
provides transformational support for Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Charlotte
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July 26-27, 2024
24 Foundation’s 24 Hours of Booty
supports cancer survivorship and wellness programs at Atrium Health
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September 17, 2024
Chick-fil-A
hosts mobile order fundraiser, raising $100,000 for Levine Children’s Hospital
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September 18, 2024
Adam Faulk Tanksley Foundation
commits $100,000 to support pediatric oncology research at Levine Children’s in Charlotte
Read More...
September 26, 2024
Atrium Health Women’s Care
names Dr. Ngina Connors the inaugural recipient of the Spangler Family Endowed Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology
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October 6, 2024
Swim Across America – Charlotte’s Open Water Swim
makes waves to fight cancer, benefiting oncology research at Atrium Health
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October 8, 2024
Levine Children’s Hospital
is named the #1 children’s hospital in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report
Read More...
October 9, 2024
Hyundai Hope On Wheels
awards Impact Grant to Levine Children’s Hospital, funding Dr. Jeffrey Huo’s research
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October 21, 2024
Drs. Mary and David Hall
advance family medicine at Atrium Health through a major gift
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November 2, 2024
29th Annual Hopebuilders 5K
unites 750+ community members to raise funds for Levine Children’s in Charlotte
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November 18, 2024
Eastwood Homes
delivers a generous donation to Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital
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December 4, 2024
Speedway Children’s Charities
combats human trafficking with $100,000 grant to Atrium Health
Read More...
December 20, 2024
Martin Truex Jr. Foundation
enhances supportive medicine at Levine Children’s in Charlotte
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December 31, 2024
Walmart & Sam’s Club
help kids live better through year-round fundraising efforts for Levine Children’s Hospital
Read More...
Bright Futures Ahead
In February 2024, Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Carolinas College of Health Sciences announced the launch of a health care-focused high school in Charlotte. As part of a $250 million national initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the early college program at Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences is designed to prepare students for in-demand health care careers while addressing local talent needs.
A $26.3 million investment—the largest grant ever received by Atrium Health Foundation—is supporting the specialized curriculum. At Hawthorne Academy, students experience a blend of traditional education, health care-focused courses, work-based learning, and industry certifications. The program will train students for rewarding careers in fields like nursing, radiologic technology, neurodiagnostics, and health care simulation, setting them on a path for success in the growing health care sector.
A Student's Pathway to Health Care Careers
8TH
GRADE
Apply to Hawthorne Academy via the CMS lottery
9TH
GRADE
Participate in observations at Atrium Health and take summer courses at Carolinas College of Health Sciences
10TH
GRADE
Select a specialized health care pathway with option to participate in a paid summer exploration program
11TH
GRADE
Gain hands-on experience through a paid summer internship with Atrium Health
12TH
GRADE
Complete coursework and participate in a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) rotation
OPTIONAL BRIDGE YEAR
Pursue an Associate of Science degree or secure employment with Atrium Health
Lasting Legacies
Visionary donors are shaping the future of health care at Atrium Health, addressing the growing needs of the Charlotte community and leaving lasting legacies in care, education, and research.
A $5 million gift from Howard C. “Smoky” Bissell and the late James E.S. “Jim” Hynes supports the development of a state-of-the-art advanced care facility at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, set to open in 2027. Their generosity honors R. Stuart Dickson and names the R. Stuart Dickson Skybridge, a vital connection that will enhance patient care for generations.
John Killian’s transformational gift to Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, made in memory of his late wife, Barbara, established The Barbara C. Killian Center for Thoracic Oncology and a fund to support the center. The contribution will advance lung cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care—continuing Barbara’s legacy and offering hope to future patients.
The late Wayland H. Cato Jr. reinforced his commitment to education and health care with a $1 million planned gift, creating the Wayland H. Cato Jr. Nursing and Allied Health Endowed Scholarship Fund. The donation will support future health care professionals at Carolinas College of Health Sciences.
2024 Planned Giving
Care Transformations
Philanthropy continued to drive meaningful improvements in patient care at Atrium Health, with generous donors funding programs that enhance the patient experience and help attract top medical talent.
The 24 Foundation strengthened its commitment to cancer patients with a $2 million gift to support cancer survivorship and wellness programs. Funding will expand holistic treatments like massage therapy, acupuncture, and music therapy for cancer patients and survivors at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.
A transformational donation from Ed Shelton and The Shelton Foundation established the Shelton Endowed Chair for Cognitive Health Fund, paving the way for a future Comprehensive Cognitive Center in Greater Charlotte. This fund supports research, education, and clinical advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation deepened its support of The Jenny & Jeff Gross Family Center for Cardiovascular Care Transformation at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, while expanding lymphoma care at Levine Cancer Institute. The gifts, which honor physicians who provide world-class care, will support heart and cancer patients for years to come.
Champions for Children
The Leon Levine family’s longstanding support of pediatric health has made a profound impact on patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte. Recognizing a pressing need, The Leon Levine Foundation announced two gifts to address critical challenges in child and adolescent behavioral health.
A $3 million donation established the Sandra and Leon Levine Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. This two-year program, in partnership with Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, will train three fellows per class, helping to address the shortage of mental health professionals in the area.
Additionally, a $2.08 million gift will expand Atrium Health School-Based Therapy, enhancing access to mental health services for school-aged children in rural communities. The funding will extend care to over 2,100 additional children across seven counties, promoting early intervention and removing barriers to care for students in grades K-12.
These generous gifts reflect the Levine family’s commitment to improving mental health care and shaping a brighter future for children throughout the Greater Charlotte community.
Healthy Comminities
In 2024, Atrium Health Foundation received unprecedented corporate and foundation support. In addition to Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Duke Endowment and Bank of America are impacting patients in the community through their ongoing generosity.
The Duke Endowment continued its longstanding support of Atrium Health, funding 11 initiatives focused on community health, mental health resources, health care worker assistance, and workforce education. The organization’s support has been essential in enhancing care and expanding services to patients.
Additionally, through its continued partnership with Bank of America, Atrium Health’s Meaningful Medicine program is increasing access to critical health care throughout the region. With over 100 school-based virtual care clinics, 30 teletherapy sites, and five community-based virtual clinics, this initiative ensures care is available where it’s needed most, reaching children, families, and communities where they live and learn.
These partnerships underscore the crucial role corporations and foundations play in advancing and transforming health in our communities.
1. The largest grant from The Duke Endowment will support Atrium Health’s HYPE Academy, which offers mentorship and career exposure to high school students to help bridge gaps in the local health care workforce.
2. Atrium Health School-Based Virtual Care, the only program of its kind in the region, is made possible through the support of generous donors like Bank of America.
Bringing Hope
Supporting Communities In Western North Carolina
Financials
2024 Summary
Total Assets
(millions)
Net Contributions Recorded
(millions)
Grant Expenditures
(millions)
Fund Allocation
(millions)
Leadership
Atrium Health Foundation Staff
President's Office
Armando L. Chardiet
President
June Laubinger
Executive Assistant to Armando Chardiet
Senior Leadership
Electa E. McPherson, MBA
Senior Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer
Kirstin Ashford
Vice President, Chief of Staff
Mark L. Griffith, CFRE
Vice President, Development
Kathy Curtis
Executive Assistant to Electa McPherson
Development
Ryan Marshall
Assistant Vice President, Development
Kellie McGregor
Assistant Vice President, Development
Page Ramsay Stroup, MS
Assistant Vice President, Development
Beth Braxton
Director, Development
Holli Helms
Director, Development
Ginger Moran, CFRE
Director, Development
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Director, Development
Michelle Spreitzer
Director, Development
Kelsey Wilson
Director, Development
Helen Kernodle
Senior Development Officer
Taylor Sherman
Senior Development Officer
Erin Oliveira
Development Officer
Emily Yates
Development Officer
Jená Lott
Senior Administrative Assistant
Corporate & Foundation Relations/Grants
Rachel Ellis
Assistant Vice President, Corporate & Foundation Relations/Grants
Sarah Bailey
Director, Grants
Kate Donnelly
Development Officer, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Strategic Relations & Donor Engagement
Kathleen LeFever
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Relations & Communications
Abby O'Connor
Director, Donor Relations & Stewardship
Madeline Yih
Director, Foundation Events
Kayla Baker
Senior Strategist, Foundation Events
Katelyn Dubois
Senior Strategist, Strategic Relations & Communications
Erin Hampson
Senior Strategist, Donor Relations & Stewardship
Anita McClary
Manager, Donor Relations & Stewardship
Sheri Joseph
Strategist, Strategic Relations & Communications
Alysa Ward
Development Officer, Foundation Events
Eleni Logan
Senior Administrative Assistant
Data Analytics & Development Operations
Julian Ryan Heidelberg, MBA
Assistant Vice President, Development Operations
Cindy Grier
Senior Application Specialist
Elizabeth Haggart
Senior Application Specialist
Carolina Bellido
Project Manager, Data & Gifts Management
Liv Paxton-Sprankle
Project Manager, Prospect Development
Finance
Katherine Schmitt
Assistant Vice President, Financial Services
Maranda Hamilton
Manager, Financial Services
Devin Hutchison
Accountant II
Shanice Marte
Senior Strategist, Grants Administration
Atrium Health Foundation Board of Directors
Directors
Mandy Houser
Chair
Luther Lockwood
Vice Chair
David Secrest
Secretary
Howard Bissell
Todd Collins
Beau Cummins
Amy Dawson
Bevie Hemby
Greg Johnson
Beverly Ladley
Doug Lebda
Grace Nystrum
Greg Olsen
Manuel Rey
Mike Rucker
Mike Salvino
David Sheffer
Nicole Tepper
Directors Emeritus
Felix Sabates
Lori Sklut
Vicki Sutton