Sandra and Leon Levine
Among Charlotte’s most prominent couples, Sandra and Leon Levine reflect all that is good about this dynamic North Carolina city and region. Successful in business, community and family endeavors, the Levines are a shining example of outstanding citizenship and personal integrity. Demonstrating an extraordinary interest in service to their fellow man, the Levines have established an enviable legacy of philanthropic support benefiting the people of the Carolinas.
As a teenager, Leon Levine perfected his retail skills in the family store in Rockingham, N.C. In 1959, at age 22, he founded a single store in Charlotte which would emerge into one of the largest retail chains in the country. Considered among one of the nation’s most impressive business success stories, Family Dollar Stores is now recognized among America’s most profitable discount retailers. In appreciation of his vision and outstanding leadership in developing and advancing the company, the Family Dollar Board of Directors honored Mr. Levine with the honorary title, Founder and Chairman Emeritus upon his retirement in 2003.
A native of Anderson, S.C., Sandra Poliakoff Levine graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte and attended Women’s College University of North Carolina – Greensboro. Active in numerous community activities, Mrs. Levine serves in key leadership positions benefiting education, arts and religious organizations throughout the Charlotte community. Mrs. Levine has served on the Board of Commissioners at Carolinas HealthCare System.
The parents of three adult children and six grandchildren, Sandra and Leon Levine maintain a strong sense of pride in their family. Friends who know them best confirm that Sandra and Leon have always maintained a passion for their children and grandchildren. The Levines’ belief in strong family ties also extends to other family members and associates.
Equally important to Sandra and Leon Levine is their sense of responsibility to community. Defining community in rather broad terms, their legacy includes international and national commitments, religious facilities, medical science research facilities, arts facilities and educational facilities.
Institutions that proudly acknowledge the Levine name include the Levine Children’s Hospital, Duke University, Shalom Park and Temple Israel in Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte Country Day School, The Levine Museum of the New South and Central Piedmont Community College.
Biography Courtesy of Levine Children’s Hospital
