“Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars” Oxygen Ball Raises Record-Breaking $400,000 for Lung Health

On the evening of May 9, the American Lung Association hosted its annual “Lowcountry Dancing with Stars” Oxygen Ball at the Charleston Gaillard Center. The event, which featured five local celebrity dancers, raised more than $400,000—an all-time fundraising high for the Oxygen Ball—to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease through local programs, advocacy efforts and groundbreaking research.

Dr. Mickey Barber, founder and CEO of Better Life Carolinas, was named Charleston Oxygen Ball Celebrity Dancer Champion. The full dancer lineup included: Jamie Camilo, general manager of Rick Hendrick BMW and MINI of Charleston; Rick Lowndes of Lowndes Properties; Emily Gifford Lucey, attorney with Gallivan White Boyd; and Julie Reuther-Nestler, certified spinning, fitness and wellness coach. Each celebrity dancer was paired with a professional from International Ballroom Dance Studios.

“There’s nothing like the Oxygen Ball. It’s a beloved Charleston institution that brings our community together for one unforgettable night,” said Rebecca Balitsaris, Senior Director, Development at the Lung Association. “Thank you to our dancers, committee, guests and sponsors, who have helped us raise more than $400,000 for lifesaving research, local programs and advocacy. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Additionally, the event celebrated five chefs who were the driving force behind Charleston’s culinary renaissance in the 1990s and early 2000s: Chefs Robert Carter, Frank Lee, Brett McKee, Fred Neuville and Bob Waggoner. The master chefs reunited to auction off a special dinner showcasing their more than 200 combined years of experience. Sadly, Chef Carter unexpectedly passed shortly after the event.

“We are deeply saddened by Chef Bob Carter’s sudden passing, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to celebrate his legacy at the Oxygen Ball,” Balitsaris added. “Chef Carter was a Charleston legend who committed to serving our Lowcountry community any way he could. We are forever grateful for his support in advancing our mission of healthy lungs and clean air.”

The Lung Association is proud to serve our Lowcountry community and the nearly 775,000 South Carolinians living with lung disease and lung cancer. Our mission has never been more critical. We are researching new treatments and cures, tackling the youth vaping epidemic, protecting the air we all breathe and helping people live healthier lives. Your support fuels our mission and deepens our local impact. For more information, please visit CharlestonOxygenBall.org.

The Lung Association gratefully recognizes Presenting Sponsor Better Life Carolinas, Signature Sponsors Rick Hendrick BMW of Charleston, Vertical Bridge and The Intertech Group, as well as the many other sponsors, donors and volunteers that are instrumental in furthering the organization’s mission.