Children’s Gala

Kevin and Ann Reidy shared their family’s story about the life-saving treatment and the unparalleled support they received from Children’s Colorado when their daughter Diana was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.  “It’s an amazing place, the physicians and the nurses are second to none.  You don’t need to take your kid anywhere else if he or she is sick.  We should cherish this place, as I do, because it saved my daughter’s life,” said Kevin Reidy.  Children’s Hospital Colorado board chair Kevin Reidy and longtime volunteer Ann Reidy were excited to host this year’s Children’s Gala and share insight from their medical journey during their daughter Diana’s cancer treatment.

Ann & Kevin Reid sharing their family story

A video showed Diana’s treatment, Rachel Platten’s hit single “Fight Song” served as the emotional soundtrack during the video.  American singer and songwriter, Rachel Platten was the opening act at this year’s Children’s Gala.  Her 2015 single “Fight Song,” the first single from her Columbia Records debut, is an uplifting anthem that embodies a “don’t give up” message, perfect for the night’s program.  While performing “Fight Song,” Diana Reidy joined Platten on stage to accompany Platten on the flute.  Platten hugged Diana Reidy after the song as everyone in attendance cheered the wonderful performance.

Platten performing

Children’s Gala benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado, is one of Denver’s premier black tie charity events. This year’s event was held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Colorado Convention Center at 5:30 p.m.   For the 38th year, Children’s Gala brought together guests for an elegant evening to support the hospital. The ever-changing and always crowd-pleasing event included mission-focused live and video programming, dinner, dancing, and a silent and live auction. Children’s Gala has raised more than $33 million and continues to be one of the largest annual fundraising events to benefit the hospital.

Dance floor and stage

Returning for the second year, 9News anchor Kyle Dyer was the master of ceremony.  Dyer has a special place in her heart for the care providers at Children’s Colorado who helped to save her youngest daughter’s life. She frequently profiles the medical challenges and triumphs of families at Children’s Colorado and her own experiences have helped her to bring unparalleled compassion to her storytelling.

After Rachel Platten took the stage, this year’s headliner was Super Diamond.  Super Diamond has been embraced by the long time Neil Diamond fan-base and also found huge popularity in the hip rock clubs of America.  They performed the timeless classics including “Sweet Caroline,” “America” and “Cherry Cherry.”

Super Diamond performing

Children’s Hospital Colorado’s mission is to improve the health of children through the provision of high-quality, coordinated programs of patient care, education, research and advocacy.