Judges Bring Star Power to Orlando Drive-In Fundraiser

The American Lung Association’s Lip Sync For Lungs will feature four local celebrities, but some of the biggest stars are in the panel of judges. One of the owners of Orlando City Soccer Club, an Orlando City Commissioner and an award-winning firefighter will judge performers on November 11.

For Lip Sync For Lungs, local celebrities execute lip sync performances to songs of their choice, all to win the top spot of Lip Sync Battle Champion. The event, which typically takes place at Sak Comedy Lounge, was reimagined to offer two options to participate – drive-in movie theater live stream viewing at Ace Cafe in Downtown Orlando or a live stream ticket option to view from home.

“The Lung Association’s mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease impacts all of our lives. From prevalent lung diseases like asthma and COPD, to air pollution, the rise in e-cigarette use and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to support lung health,” said Kay Rawlins, one of the owners of Orlando City Soccer Club and Senior VP of Community Relations and President of the Orlando City Foundation. “This event is a fun way for the community to learn more and get involved in an important cause. I encourage everyone to join us for the 2020 Lip Sync For Lungs event.”

The event is emceed by Jessica Thomas, Esq. from Thomas Law Firm, and the panel of judges includes:

• Patty Sheehan, City of Orlando Commissioner, District 4: Commissioner Sheehan was first elected to the Orlando City Council in 2000. She served as President of the Colonialtown North Neighborhood Association, and as a former Administrator with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, she serves her constituents full time. She is well known for her advocacy of pedestrian safety, safe neighborhoods, historic preservation and a thriving Downtown.
• Kay Rawlins, Founder, One of the Owners of Orlando City Soccer Club and Senior VP of Community Relations, President of the Orlando City Foundation: Rawlins’ role includes speaking engagements on behalf of the Club, community outreach, sending players to schools and youth groups and encouraging staff and fans to join community projects. She was awarded 2016 Businesswoman of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal, gave a talk on TEDx Orlando 2017 and awarded Corporate Ally of the Year 2019 by the Pride Chamber.
• Jason Wheat, Orange County Fire Rescue: Wheat is a 16-year Orange County Fire Rescue department firefighter. In 2018, he joined retired firefighter Tom "Bull" Hill in a walk across Florida (Key West to Tallahassee) to raise awareness and lobby for stronger benefits for firefighters; specifically benefits for families of firefighters who died of cancer. The following year, Wheat was recognized as the 2019 Florida Firefighter of the Year. Prior to joining the department in 2005, Jason worked as a combat medic and the U.S. Army and as a firefighter in Iraq for a private contractor. His experience is what led him to join OCFR's Safety and Wellness Section as a peer fitness trainer in 2015. 

Read more about the esteemed judges, see the full list of performers and donate here.

Money raised at the Lip Sync For Lungs will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

More information on the 3rd annual Lip Sync For Lungs and tickets are available at LipSyncForLungsOrlando.org.