Benefit raises $32.2 million for pediatric cancer research

Philanthropists Lester and Sue Smith hosted a star-studded disco dance party that raised more than $32 million for pediatric cancer research at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, the top-ranked pediatric cancer center in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report.

An Evening with Disco Legends, presented by Wells Fargo, featured performances by disco greats Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters and Nile Rodgers and drew more than 1,100 supporters to the George R. Brown Convention Center to dance beneath the 8-foot disco ball and roving multicolored lighting effects, according to a press release.

The Smiths, international ballroom dancing champions, matched every donation through the Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, making a total contribution of $16.6 million. By underwriting the event, the Smiths enabled 100 percent of the proceeds to go directly to Texas Children's Cancer Center, according to a press release.

Texas oilman, two-time cancer survivor and author of the book "You Gotta Dance Like No One's Watching," Lester Smith and wife, Sue, are familiar figures in the fight against cancer.  This is the Smiths' second consecutive year to chair the annual Texas Children's Cancer Center benefit and match all donations. This two-time commitment has generated more than $41 million in donations to the cancer hospital, with more than $21 million coming from The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, according to a press release.

"We are so grateful to the Smiths for their outstanding philanthropic leadership and to all who supported this remarkable event," said Dr. David Poplack, who is Elise C. Young Professor of Pediatric Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine, academic partner of Texas Children's
Hospital, in a press release. "We are confident that the cancer research breakthroughs made possible by these funds will positively impact children from around the globe."

To learn more, visit txccc.org.