Lester and Sue Smith lead the way to a $32.2 million windfall for Texas Children's Cancer Center

Thanks to the Midas touch of philanthropists Sue and Lester Smith, Texas Childrens' Cancer Center was manifoldly enriched Saturday night — to the tune of $32,260,000, the largest single-night fundraiser in the city's history.

That mega ka-ching took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center where the Smiths chaired, underwrote and matched dollar-for-dollar everything brought in for "An Evening With Disco Legends."

Cheers and applause erupted from the disco-clad/black-tie gathering of 1,100 when the unprecedented total was announced. 

"I can tell you that the money raised tonight will be transformational," said Dr. David Poplack, director of TCCC, the largest children's cancer center in the United States.

Texas Children's had a surprise for the Smiths in return for their generosity both this year and last, when they chaired the "Texas Legends" benefit that earned $9 million for the center. Texas Children's CEO Mark Wallace announced that the outpatient clinic will be named the Lester and Sue Smith Clinic at Texas Children's Cancer Center.

"We have done the match for the children and it's very, very important," Smith said, quipping that he hoped he didn't see Poplack for "the rest of my life, because it's going to break me."

It was a night of high revelry with giant disco balls twirling overhead and entertainment provided on three stages by Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters and Nile Rodgers. Between the live acts, the retro spins by DJ Ultragrrrl kept the dance floor packed.

As Wells Fargo Texas Region president Chip Carlisle said of the evening, "I just wish I could duplicate this business model — having so much fun and making money."

For a full report on the party and more photos, click here.