Opulence, luxury, a touch of whimsey, and an unwavering commitment to philanthropy lit up the night in June when almost 200 guests gathered at the historic Addison of Boca Raton estate for the annual LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree. The event’s Gilded Age Glamour theme transported attendees back in time and inspired imaginative activations, interactive entertainment and memorable photo opportunities. Guests filling the historic mansion were turned out in creative attire that paid homage to a time known for vibrant colors, glittering fabrics, ornate headwear and touches of feathers and fringe.
The event was sponsored by Memorial Cancer Institute and presented by the Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation. It 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 and experiences, celebratory atmosphere and, of course, the dedicated support of our South Florida community,” commented 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 vital funding to save lives right here in Florida and beyond.”
Dr. Luis E. Raez and Dr. Glenn Singer were honored for their contributions to the advancing the Lung Association’s mission of a world free of lung cancer and lung disease in South Florida, in particular.
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.
Highlighting the event were a festive cocktail reception in the Posh Parlor with themed cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. A Get Your Guild On beauty bar was designed to enhance guest’s gilded age look. A Wine Wall wine grab featured premium bottles from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Guests had the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions with a host of fabulous offerings. Ending the event on a high note was the not-to-be-missed after-party in the Addison’s majestic courtyard surrounded by 100-year-old banyan trees.
Funds raised at the LUNG FORCE Sunset Soiree support 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.
Photo credit: American LungAssociation