On June 17th, the “Lowcountry Dancing with Stars” Charleston Oxygen Ball returned to the Gaillard Center raising more than $212,000 for the American Lung Association in South Carolina. The affair was emceed by Tessa Spencer (ABC News 4 anchor), while Erin Kienzle (ABC 4's Lowcountry Live) served as the evening's auctioneer.
Special guests included Anita Zucker, Kat Varn, Jordan Benton, Todd Adamson, Dr. Marvella Ford, Jaqueline Varn, and lung cancer survivor, Anna Holloway. The 2022 Oxygen Ball, chaired by Virginia Lawrence and Shelley Hochman, included a live ballroom dance competition led by International Ballroom Dance Studios. Local celebrity dancers included:
- Herbert L. Drayton III, Managing Partner with HI Mark Capital
- Erin Mansour, Owner of Stryke Fitness
- Mary Margaret Nelms, Vice President and GM for WCIV in Charleston and WPDE in Myrtle Beach
- Laura Patrick, Owner and CMO of Bay Street Biergarten, Operating Partner with Patrick Properties Hospitality Group and Co-host of Next Page Podcast
- Dr. John Rink, DDS, AAACD
Laura Patrick was named the 2022 Champion, raising over $60,000 for the Lung Association's mission. The win was extra special for Laura as her father, Charles Patrick, was a celebrity dancer in the event 12 years ago. She danced in honor of family members affected by lung disease including her grandfather, who passed away from lung cancer.
“It was so wonderful to be back in person after three long years for an unforgettable evening of stunning performances by all the celebrities,” said Shelley Hochman, this year's Oxygen Ball Co-Chair. “Our guests were also treated to performances by alumni dancers Kat Varn and Anita Zucker and special tribute to Juneteenth by Jordan Benton. The night was truly magical.” Hochman, 2014 Celebrity Dancer, also took to the dance floor, performing an alumni dance.
In South Carolina, more than 653,000 people live with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
“We are so grateful to all the guests, supporters and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by lung disease and lung cancer,” said Virginia Lawrence, Senior Vice President with First Citizens Bank and this year's Co-Chair of the Oxygen Ball. “We are proud to have raised over $212,000 to support this life-saving mission.”
