American Lung Association Hosts 4th Annual Oxygen Ball: Midlands Dancing with the Stars
October 30, 2014
Friday, November 7 from 7-11:30 p.m. | Local Celebrities practice and compete to raise funds and put their best foot forward for ALA
The American Lung Association invites you to participate in a glitzy, glamorous evening among the stars! The 4th annual ‘Oxygen Ball: Midlands Dancing with the Stars’ competition will be hosted by the American Lung Association in South Carolina at 701Whaley in downtown Columbia on Friday, November 7 from 7-11:30 p.m.
The Oxygen Ball: Midlands Dancing with the Stars event is being presented by Land Rover Columbia again this year. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to see the Land Rover luxury line-up, up close and personal.
“Land Rover Columbia is excited to sponsor the Midlands Oxygen Ball again this year. We always enjoy being part of such a fun and unique event to support the American Lung Association here in South Carolina,” said Land Rover Columbia’s Executive General Manager, Lucan Breedlove.
In addition to great food and drinks, the entertainment for the evening features five local celebrities stepping out of their comfort zone and into their dancing shoes to perform a dance number for attendees. Each celebrity has paired with a local UNBOUND Dance Co. professional dancer for several instruction and practice lessons at the Columbia Music Festival Association to ensure they put their best foot forward!
This year’s celebrities will be:
Anderson Chambers – General Manager, Travinia Italian Kitchen
Ben Hoover – Award Winning Anchor, Host, Producer
Kortni Koutrakos – Midlands Personal Health Champion, Twisted Sister Boot Camp
Clare Morris – CEO, Clare Morris Agency, Inc.
Elizabeth Tuller – Midlands Community Advocate & Volunteer, Shine a Light Foundation
“I was thrilled to be considered for this engaging community event, which is both important and super fun.” Clare Morris said. “I’m super stoked to brush up on my dance moves and show my stuff on November 7th. And, by the way, I’m in it to win it.”
The celebrity that receives the most “votes” will be the winner. Votes may be purchased online at www.midlandsoxygenball.org leading up to the event, or the night of the Oxygen Ball as well. Oxygen Ball tickets may also be purchased online.
Each year, the American Lung Association in South Carolina area hosts events to raise money to support its mission: to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through research, advocacy, community service and education.
In our nation, lung disease is the single leading cause of infant mortality and is the third leading cause of death, affecting one in six people. Further, statistics indicate over 213,000 people were diagnosed in 2007 with lung cancer; 160,000 of whom died. That is more than melanoma, breast, prostate, kidney and colon cancers combined. In 2009, it was estimated that 13.1 million adults had COPD and 24.6 million Americans currently had asthma, including 7.1 million children.
“Just like all good things, the air we breathe needs to be protected. If I can raise awareness and donations by huffin’ and puffin’ on a dance floor then it’s the least I can do,” celebrity dancer Ben Hoover said. “Lung cancer has impacted countless families including my own. My grandfather worked the coal mines for years and developed Black Lung, which predisposed him to lung cancer. I’ll be at the Oxygen Ball in memory of my Pop-Pop and in honor of other families who have lost loved ones to lung cancer.”
This unique and fun evening will be different from any other event in the Midlands. The Lexington Medical Center Foundation Executive Director and also the 2013 Oxygen Ball celebrity runner-up, Tim James, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
“Lexington Medical Center has long involved itself, and encouraged their staff to become involved in the wellness of our community; the Oxygen Ball is a nice fit,” James said, “It not only promotes good health, but also allows for a funding source that will help to create a community of wellness. I’m proud to be involved with the evening.”
For ticket and voting information, as well as our celebrity and professional bios, please visit the event website: www.MidlandsOxygenBall.org. For sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please contact Melissa Goforth, ALA Area Manager, at (803) 779-5864 or via e-mail at [email protected].
About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1 800 LUNG USA (1 800 586 4872) or visit www.lungsc.org.
