American Lung Association of South Florida dance fundraiser raises record $280K for lung disease mission

MIAMI — More than 3 million people across Florida are currently living with lung disease, and this weekend, the American Lung Association of South Florida took center stage in its ongoing mission to save lives.

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Local 10 News’ Linnie Supall emceed the organization’s annual “Dancing with the Stars” competition, where five local leaders stepped into the spotlight as celebrity dancers to raise money and awareness for the cause.

“Welcome to the 2026 Dancing with the Stars competition,” Supall told the crowd. “Tonight, our five incredible celebrity dancers will compete for the coveted Celebrity Spotlight Champion Award.”

The event brought together dance, glamour and plenty of energy as the competitors traded the boardroom for the ballroom after months of preparation.

“Now it’s affecting my family — it’s affecting my mother-in-law — it’s going to affect everybody at some point,” one participant said.

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The audience filled the room with cheers and chants, but organizers said the lasting impact came from the support behind the event.

Together with the community, the fundraiser brought in more than $280,000, setting a new donations record to help advance the American Lung Association’s mission of supporting people battling lung cancer and lung disease.

Every performance on stage carried the goal of making a difference.

While the pair with the most votes took home the trophy, organizers said the real win was the hope the dancers helped bring to those who need it most.

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