Colorful dance event launches $1 million breast cancer charity challenge

HOUSTON, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Disco superstar Gloria Gaynor joined well-known Texas philanthropists Lester and Sue Smith and
over 200 breast cancer survivors and supporters in a colorful, surprise
dance tribute set to Gaynor’s live performance of “I Will Survive” at
the Houston Galleria mall Saturday, June 4.
The event had a single goal —to celebrate the survivor in all of us
and raise awareness about breast cancer, a disease that strikes one in
eight women nationally.  The glitzy, upbeat video was released Sunday in
conjunction with National Cancer Survivors Day and is rapidly gaining viewers on YouTube.

The Smiths are two-time National Latin Dance Champions and Lester Smith,
a two-time cancer survivor, often refers to “I Will Survive” as his
personal theme song. “As a two-time cancer survivor, I wanted to
celebrate the strength and courage of cancer survivors in a fun, unique
and colorful way,” said Smith.  “My hope is that this tribute will
create awareness about a disease that strikes so many women and families
and invite participation in the Pink Well Challenge, so that more
breast cancer organizations can get the support and funding they need.” Click here to learn more about Lester Smith.

Many
participants said it was especially meaningful to have Gaynor
personally deliver her inspirational survivor song.  “I am honored to be
part of a tribute that celebrates cancer survivors everywhere,” said
music icon Gaynor. “My hope is that the message of ‘I Will Survive’,
performed with these wonderful breast cancer survivors and supporters,
brings strength to anyone touched by this difficult disease.”

The event also launched the Smith’s Pink Well Challenge, a national campaign symbolized by an active pink pump jack located in the heart of West Texas. Through Pink Well Challenge, The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation will give away up to $1 million in matching funds to eligible breast cancer organizations. Applications are being taken at www.pinkwell.org until July 1, 2011.

When
it comes to fighting cancer, the Smiths are known for putting their
money where their hearts are. The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation has
donated in excess of $50 million to support cancer research and treatment at many organizations. Lester is the author of the book “You Gotta Dance Like No One’s Watching,” which features life
lessons on “living, giving and never missing a beat.” All proceeds
support breast cancer and genomic research worldwide with The Lester and
Sue Smith Foundation matching all funds raised from book sales.

About The Lester Smith Pink Well Challenge

The Pink Well Challenge, supported by its website at http://www.pinkwell.org, includes ways to connect institutions and individuals worldwide who share Lester Smith‘s mission to find and fund a cure for breast cancer. The Pink Well Challenge will award a total of $1,000,000
to up to 20 eligible non-profit organizations, each involved in the
fight against breast cancer. For more information or to apply to be
considered for the Lester Smith Pink Well Challenge, please visit http://www.pinkwell.org.

The Lester Smith Pink Well Challenge