Local
Sammy Hagar's Foundation Gives $55,000 Each to Levine Children's Hospital and Hope Street Food Pantry
The Hagar Family Foundation donated $55,000 to Levine Children's Hospital for pediatric cancer research and an equal amount to Hope Street Food Pantry, funded in part by proceeds from Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. â Rock legend Sammy Hagar has donated $55,000 to Levine Children's Hospital to support its pediatric cancer research program, his foundation announced Monday. The Hagar Family Foundation also gave an equal $55,000 to Hope Street Food Pantry in Charlotte to help keep its shelves stocked.
The gifts are tied to Hagar's presence in the city: he opened Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in June 2025, and proceeds from the restaurant are directed back into the local community.
"I've been singing 'I Can't Drive 55' for over 40 years, and it turns out 55 is a pretty great number to give, too," Hagar said in the announcement. "Kari and I started this foundation because no kid should go to bed hungry, and no family should have to face something like childhood cancer alone."
The Hagar Family Foundation has donated more than $4 million to charitable causes since 2008. Hagar, 79, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Van Halen and is known for the hit song "I Can't Drive 55."
The donations arrive as local food pantries and pediatric cancer programs continue to face steady demand. Levine Children's Hospital's research arm works on treatments for childhood cancers, while Hope Street Food Pantry provides groceries to families experiencing food insecurity in the Charlotte area.