Charlotte Community Raises $115,000 to Help End Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Turquoise Tasting

Last night, more than 150 people enjoyed a spectacular evening at Carmel Country Club for the American Lung Association in North Carolina’s 9th annual LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting, presented by Novant Health. The event raised more than $115,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease.

Guests at the LUNG FORCE Turquoise Tasting enjoyed creative food and beverage pairings, a tempting silent auction that included luxury experiences and gifts from local vendors and boutiques, the annual Diamonds Direct raffle, live music and other engaging interactive activities.

“Thank you to all our guests, sponsors, Cabinet, LUNG FORCE Leaders, and our LUNG FORCE Hero who came together to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by lung cancer and lung disease,” said Katrina Taylor, division vice president of development, Southeast at the Lung Association. “Last night was a memorable evening that provided critical support and funding to help us fuel our lifesaving work here in North Carolina and beyond.”

LUNG FORCE Hero, Alli Buhler, gave the keynote speech during the event’s Mission Moment. A lung cancer survivor herself, she addressed the critical need to fund lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness outreach in vulnerable communities. Funds raised at the Turquoise Tasting will support the Lung Association’s mission.

More than 380,000 people in the Charlotte area suffer from lung disease, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. In North Carolina, it is estimated that more than 8,800 people will diagnosed with lung cancer this year, and nearly 4,700 people will die from the disease.

“Increasing awareness of lung cancer is key to securing research funding and unlocking a future free of lung cancer” said McCay Manwaring, chair, LUNG FORCE Leader Champion, and executive director at Amgen. “We are proud to have raised over $115,000 to support this life-saving mission.”

Thank you to our LUNG FORCE Charlotte Turquoise Tasting sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Novant Health and Gold Sponsor AstraZeneca. Special thanks to our LUNG FORCE Leaders, Erin LoPinto, Brianna Crane, Juleidy Turnipseed, McCay Manwaring, Madeline Hughes, Josephine Hauser and Maggie Crandall.  

For more information about the event, visit CharlotteTurquoiseTasting.org.