South Florida Community Raises $200,000 To Defeat Lung Cancer at LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree

On the evening of June 7, 185 guests joined the American Lung Association in South Florida for its annual LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree, sponsored by Memorial Cancer Institute and presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation. The “Gilded Age Glamour” themed affair, held at the historic Addison of Boca Raton estate, raised nearly $200,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.—and lung disease through local programs, advocacy efforts and groundbreaking research.

“The LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree has become a must-attend, luxury event of the season thanks to creative themes, interactive experiences, celebratory atmosphere and, of course, the dedicated support of our South Florida community,” said Dr. Mark J. Hauser, chair of the Lung Association’s South Florida Local Leadership Board. “Thank you to our LUNG FORCE Leaders, guests and corporate partners who helped us raise $200,000 to save lives right here in Florida and beyond.”

During the celebrations, two honorees were recognized for their contributions to the South Florida community and advancing the Lung Association’s mission of a world free of lung cancer and lung disease: Dr. Luis E. Raez and Dr. Glenn Singer.

Dr. Raez, a veteran oncologist and hematologist at Memorial Cancer Institute, received the Distinguished Physician Award. He has cared for patients battling lung cancer for more than 20 years and leads lifesaving research to improve treatments and outcomes. Dr. Raez currently serves as the Medical Director and Chief Scientific Officer at Memorial Cancer Institute, where he also leads the Thoracic Oncology Program.

Dr. Singer was honored with the first-ever Lighting the Way Champion Award, presented by Florida Power & Light Company, for raising critical funds and awareness to help find a cure for lung cancer. A pulmonologist who has served the community for more than 40 years, he participated in the LUNG FORCE Leaders competition alongside lung cancer survivor Stacey Eisdorfer and Riley Burke, who participated in honor of his stepmother who is currently undergoing trial therapy.

Funds raised at the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree supports lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy for the more than 2.7 Floridians living with lung disease, including lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. For more information or to make a donation, please visit LUNGFORCESunsetSoiree.org.

Thank you to our sponsors, including Title Sponsor Memorial Cancer Institute, Presenting Sponsor Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company, UKG, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Florida Health, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hecker Dermatology Group, Fever-Tree and Cleveland Clinic Florida.