Totally Rad: Lung Association’s Lip Sync for Lungs Raises $110K to Save Lives

On the evening of Thursday, February 29, at Charleston Music Hall, the Charleston community was captivated by the American Lung Association in South Carolina’s one-of-a-kind fundraiser, Lip Sync for Lungs Live Battle VIII: Totally ‘80s!, presented by Audi Charleston. The event raised $110,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Geoff Richardson, owner and lead stylist of Lava Salon, was named Battle Champion, raising more than $35,000 through community support and donations. He took the stage as Jon Bon Jovi, performing a mix of the band’s most iconic hits. His teenage son, Cason, performed alongside him as Richie Sambora.

"I am continuously grateful and humbled by what we have all created with Lip Sync for Lungs – it has been a magical eight seasons,” said Richardson. “I am only one part of a whole that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of others, including Lori DeNicola, Margaret Ann Youngs, Michele Seekings, Andrea Serrano, Ryan Becknell, Bryan Mahanes, Rebecca Balitsaris and Susan Butler. This team has made up nearly a decade of memories in my life. That’s 20 percent of my time here. And I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”

Since the event’s debut in 2017, Lip Sync for Lungs has raised nearly $825,000 and featured performances by nearly 40 local celebrity fundraisers.

“Over the past eight years, Lip Sync for Lungs has absolutely flourished thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm and creativity of our Lowcountry community. With 90 cents of every dollar going directly to program services, every dollar raised through these last eight Lip Sync for Lungs Battles is making a direct, tangible impact on people’s lives both locally and across the nation,” said Lori DeNicola, Lip Sync for Lungs event chair, local and regional board member and owner of floral design studio, Petaloso. “A big thank you to all our performers, sponsors, attendees, and countless donors who opened their hearts to join our community and make a difference. You deserve a standing ovation.” 

The event was co-hosted by Bryan Mahanes and Ryan Becknell. Live Battle VII Champions, Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer and Drew Pond, were joined by Audi Charleston’s AG Goldsmith to judge the event. Celebrity performers included:

• Geoff Richardson – Owner of Lava Salon and co-founder and six-time emcee of Lip Sync for Lungs performed a mix of Jon Bon Jovi’s greatest hits
• LaFaye Benton – U.S. Army vet and frontwoman of Rock-Soul band, LaFaye & the Fellas performed a Tina Turner tribute mix
• Erin Lok – Stand-up comedian and Second City alumna performed a mashup of “Maneater” by Hall & Oates and Nelly Furtado
• Anna Krepelka – Owner of Charleston Lash & Brows and event record spinner at “Soul 45s With Anna” performed a Talking Heads mix as David Byrne
• Julianne “JuJu” Taylor – Owner of Julianne Taylor Style and business coach, product designer and content creator performed a femme-power mashup of Marilyn and Madonna

Funds raised through the Lung Association’s Lip Sync For Lungs supports lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy for the 650,000 South Carolinians living with lung disease, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. For more information or to make a donation, please visit LipSyncForLungs.org

Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Audi Charleston, Petaloso, Michele & Mike Seekings, Dock House Digital, Lowcountry Lung and Critical Care, Trident Medical Center, Woodhouse Spa, The Biscuit Shed, Charleston Las & Brow, Clarke Design Group, Paisano’s Pizza Grill, Lava Salon, The Pulse Charleston, ServisFirst Bank and Taxidermy, and photography partner Valerie & Ed Photography.