Home builder’s charity classic turns into a $195,000 lifeline for Levine Children’s

A spring golf event became a big boost for local kids

Eastwood Homes has given $195,000 to Atrium Health Levine Children’s after funds were raised at its recent Eastwood Classic, the builder announced. The check arrived in time for the hospital to include the money in its budget planning for the coming year, and hospital staff say the cash will go straight to programs and services that patients and families use every day.

The gift was framed as a community-driven push: a builder, its employees and customers, and local partners worked together on a single event that turned out to be far more than a marketing day. Organizers say the donation is the largest single community gift tied to the Eastwood Classic to date, and both sides described the moment as a clear example of local business meeting local need.

How a weekend tournament raised nearly two hundred thousand dollars

The Eastwood Classic took place earlier this year as a one-day golf tournament combined with several fundraising activities. Teams of builders, subcontractors, homeowners and area business leaders took part on the course. Off the fairways, organizers ran a silent auction, a live raffle and a dinner that featured remarks about the hospital’s work.

Sponsors included local companies in construction, real estate and services, which underwrote event costs so more of the proceeds could go to the hospital. Organizers said corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and auction bids together produced the $195,000 total. The event also leaned on volunteers from Eastwood Homes and partner charities to keep expenses low and community participation high.

There were a few memorable moments: a high-stakes auction lot that drew competitive bids, a surprise mascot visit from hospital staff to thank attendees, and several former patients who returned to share short stories about care that made a difference. Those personal moments, organizers said, helped move donors to give more than they might have planned.

Leadership voices: why the gift matters to both sides

Leaders from both organizations framed the donation as practical and personal. A representative for Eastwood Homes said the company views community support as part of its identity, not an add-on. “We build homes here and we want to help the families who live in them,” the spokesperson said. “This gift is our way of investing back into the community we serve.”

Staff at Atrium Health Levine Children’s welcomed the money as a boost to programs that often sit outside tight hospital budgets. A hospital representative said, “Donations like this let us go beyond basic care. They help us buy equipment faster and offer programs that make life easier for children and their families.” The hospital emphasized that the cash will be used quickly and visibly to improve patient experience.

Where the $195,000 will be used and who will feel it first

Hospital officials outlined several priority uses for the donation. A significant portion will go toward updating clinical equipment in pediatric care areas — things like monitors and devices that help nurses and doctors track and treat young patients more effectively. Another slice is earmarked for family support programs: hotel vouchers, meals and transport help for families traveling to the hospital for longer treatments.

Part of the money will also fund comfort and therapy programs that do not always fit into routine billing. That includes child life activities, art and music therapy sessions, and bedside technology that helps young patients stay connected with school and family while they are hospitalized. The hospital said these kinds of services can shorten hospital stays and reduce stress for patients and caregivers, so the gift should have both human and practical impact.

Hospital leaders noted they will report back to Eastwood Homes and the public on how the funds are spent, so donors can see the results in playroom upgrades, new equipment, or expanded support services.

How this fits with Eastwood Homes’ past efforts and local reaction

Eastwood Homes has given to local causes before, focusing on housing-related charities and community needs near its developments. Organizers said the decision to support Levine Children’s reflects a broader push to connect the company’s business with health and family services in the towns where it builds.

Local reaction has been warm. Community leaders praised the partnership as an example of a local company stepping up in a visible way. For families who have used the hospital, the donation felt like an extra sign that local businesses notice and act on needs beyond profit.

Next steps: how the funds will be rolled out and how readers can learn more

Hospital administrators say the funds will be allocated over the coming months, with equipment purchases and program rollouts scheduled in line with clinical priorities. Eastwood Homes will continue to highlight the partnership as part of its community work and said it plans to make the Eastwood Classic an annual fixture.

Readers who want more detail can contact Atrium Health Levine Children’s Foundation or Eastwood Homes’ community relations team for updates on specific projects funded by the donation. Both organizations said they will publish progress reports as projects move from planning to patient care.

Sources

• prnewswire.com