Dancing with the Stars Competition Puts an Exciting New Spin on the American Lung Association’s Signature South Florida Sunset Soiree Gala

With artistry, rhythm and style, this spring the American Lung Association of South Florida kicked up its heels and leaped into the 20th year of its LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree fundraising gala with a new live Dancing with the Stars competition.

Featuring dance talent many Lung Association supporters know as local healthcare providers, business associates and friends, the performance enlivened the event with creativity, community connection and fun, while expanding attendance with supporters of the performers and the local dance community.

More than 250 guests turned out in high spirits and high style to fill the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale. Fashionably dressed ladies sparkled in dramatic full-length gowns, while gentlemen cut a dashing figure in stylish formal attire.

The event raised nearly $300,000 to support the American Lung Association’s work to save lives by improving lung health and preventing disease through education, advocacy and research.

Launching the evening was a lavish cocktail hour in the grand salon where floor-to-ceiling windows opened up majestic ocean views. Guests were treated to an array of tempting passed hors d’oeuvres, fine wines and creative cocktails as they bid on more than 100 silent action items. Highlights ranged from luxurious spa retreats, vintage wines and resort getaways to autographed sport and entertainment memorabilia. The bounty was truly impressive, testifying to the commitment of Lung Association supporters.

Presiding over the event as master of ceremonies was Emmy-award winning journalist and local 10 news weekend anchor Alexis Frazier. As she welcomed guests into the main dining area, gala co-chairs Doctors Caren and Glenn Singer, who themselves are longtime dancers, warmed up the floor with a superb tango showcase full of dramatic moves.  

Dr. Glenn Singer has been a practicing pulmonologist in South Florida since 1983. “The American Lung Association helped support my position as a pulmonary fellow at the University of South Florida,” he notes. “I feel a debt of gratitude and believe that being involved in this gala is a great way to give back to the community.”

Dr. Singer notes that the event has grown tremendously over the years. “It began as a cozy luncheon, raising some funding for a good cause,” he relates. “Now it has become a spectacular affair, drawing hundreds of guests and helping to support vitally important research making an important difference in the fight against lung disease.”

Guests were treated to a lavish gourmet menu highlighted by parmesan-laden Caesar salad, filet mignon and a memorable key lime pie showered with shaved white chocolate. When most events would be winding down this gala moved swiftly ahead. 

Next up was the excitement of a live auction featuring a selection of coveted vacation and entertainment experiences, from a four-night all-inclusive vacation in Los Cabos to a three-day Sonoma County wine getaway and a Food Network celebrity chef in-home catering party for a dozen friends. For the latter, in particular, the drama reached high pitch as tables of dedicated foodies, intent on winning, rapidly ratcheted up the biding—all in good fun for a good cause.

Finally, the time was right for the music itself to reach high pitch as the dancers readied themselves to strut their stuff in front of appreciative crowds. “Dancing is about getting people moving and their bodies pumping air in and out of their lungs in a healthy way,” Dr. Glenn Singer commented. “So, it is a natural fit for our organization. This was planned as an entertaining event to engage the community. “

With the help of professional instructors from Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Fort Lauderdale, each performer diligently practiced for two months leading up to the event. Their instructors also were their partners at the gala performance.

Supporters and dinner guests had the opportunity to pledge funds behind their favorite performers in advance of the event. Each dancer’s goal was to raise $15,000, the equivalent of 30 days of vital lung cancer research. Funds raised, combined with post-performance audience votes, determined the winner.

The four participants varied in their prior dance experience and reasons for taking to the floor. What they shared was a belief in the importance of the work of the American Lung Association, a desire to help and a commitment to putting on a great show. Win or lose, they knew the event was about raising funds and having fun.

First up was Brooke Boles, a luxury real estate agent and host of the Emmy-nominated American Dream show. She delighted guests with a swing routine choreographed to I’m a Good Girl from the Broadway musical Burlesque. Brooke explains that yoga and breathwork have been life-changing in helping her stay focused and get through stressful times. “Almost everyone takes breathing for granted,” she says. “I’m supporting the American Lung Association for the people who can’t.” Brook had not danced since childhood and devoted a solid two hours to practice each week. She plans to continue to put her dancing shoes to good use in the future.

Next, high school senior and student body president Olivia Berrios showcased her talents in a creative and energetic mix of samba and salsa. “My grandmother struggles with COPD, and I participated to raise money in her honor. I am passionate about community service and leadership,” she says. Olivia has been dancing since age eight. She loves the energy and excitement of the dance floor. 

Matt Maxim, Florida area manager for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, performed an intricate tango in dazzling style. His reasons for participating were deeply personal.” I have lived with asthma my entire life,” he comments. “I know firsthand the struggle of fighting for every breath. For so many, lung disease is more than just a diagnosis. It’s a daily battle.” He has been a patient of Dr. Glenn Singer since age 15, and his daughter also suffers from asthma. Matt relates with a grin that his only prior dance experience has been at weddings.

Capping off the show, Danielle Williams, a medical sales professional for 30 years, delivered a passionate performance with a montage of swing, jazz and creative movement as the leading lady in Grease. Her motivation to participate also was personal because she has family members affected by a number of serious lung diseases. “Anything I can do to give back to the American Lung Association and the local medical community is vital. They help so many people,” she comments.

Danielle has been involved in dance and movement her entire life but has never participated in a performance of this magnitude. To prepare, she took 22 lessons and put in hours of independent practice. Her costume was a detailed reproduction of the leather dress synonymous with the show.

“When people heard about this project so many wanted to support it in some way,” she notes. Danielle had almost two tables of friends and family attend the gala.

When the audience ballots were tallied, Matt Maxim was named the competition's Celebrity Spotlight Award winner. His tango was superb, and his dancing and fundraising efforts realized $25,000 for the American Lung Association.

Dr. Glenn Singer comments that the escalating success of the gala comes at an extremely important time when new and highly effective treatments are growing virtually across the entire spectrum of lung disease. “Continued research is vital,” he says. Along with this, he notes that the Association’s Saved by the Scan patient education program publicizes the benefits of low-dose CT imaging in catching early-stage lung cancer in older smokers. “The tests are affordable and highly effective, he says. “We are getting the word out to patients and physicians across the country.”

While the Sunset Soiree is a national fundraiser, it also benefits programs In South Florida. The area has four centers involved in clinical research on asthma and COPD. Several grants also are earmarked for Florida-based researchers, and the Association is involved in state advocacy. All national programs such as the Lung Health Hotline are also available in Florida.