5280 AIR Society: Party at Altitude

Dear 5280 AIR Society and National Jewish Health: You had us at “rooftop terrace.”

This year’s 5280 Party at Altitude definitely lived up to lofty expectations atop DaVita World Headquarters in downtown Denver. Organizers could have just served a few appetizers and wine along with the accompanying incredible view. But instead, they went above and beyond, with a handful of Denver’s trendiest restaurants serving up a top-notch lineup of tasty bites and beverages. Add some fun entertainment and great weather, and it was a terrific end-of-summer soiree.

CBS4 anchor Dominic Garcia presents a $20,000-plus check to Clem Connolly, NJH’s national events director.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, around 400 guests cooled off with a signature cocktail at registration before traveling up to the 14th floor, where festivities flowed seamlessly. The centrally located Sky Bar served up good spirits, food stations lined the space both inside and out, and Tone Play entertained musically before jazzed-up Soul X took the stage. In between, event co-chairs Brian Parks and Ross Chotin spoke about the evening’s beneficiary, Morgridge Academy at NJH, and group co-chair Daniel Feiner talked about the 5280 AIR Society. CBS4’s Dominic Garcia was on hand to present a $20,000 check to Clem Connolly, NJH National Director for Events (Western Region), from the news station for school computers and other necessities.

Matthew Moore and Samantha Rutishauser

From sunset till almost midnight, partygoers were able to mix, mingle and kick up their heels to celebrate summer’s end. The 2016 event raised $130,000, and this year’s party was predicted to top $165,000.

Soul X rocked the house.

One in four Americans suffers from a serious chronic or life-threatening respiratory disease. National Jewish Health is the only institution in the nation dedicated to researching and treating respiratory and related diseases, and continues to make groundbreaking discoveries. Located on the campus of National Jewish Health, Morgridge Academy is a unique, day-school program for approximately 90 students in grades K-8 who require medical assistance during the normal school day and cause frequent absences from regular schools. For many of these children, poverty and instability at home exacerbate an already-challenging medical situation. For more information, please visit http://njhstage.bluemodus.com/education-training/morgridge-academy/overview.

The 5280 AIR (Asthma, Immunology and Respiratory) Society is a group of young leaders in Denver invested in the National Jewish Health mission who want to make a difference. They represent a variety of industries and will lead the next generation of the institution’s philanthropy by sharing their ideas and vision to propel fundraising efforts, drive awareness, and pave the way for up-and-coming young leadership.

Members of the 5280 AIR Society pose for a group shot.

The 5280 AIR Society is modeled after the New York AIR Society, which started in 1991. Some of the members and their families had been treated for asthma, allergies and/or immune system disorders at National Jewish Health. Since the New York group’s inception, it has raised $4 million for the institution. Now, young leaders from across the country are coming together in their own communities to ensure that National Jewish Health is able to continue driving innovation that advances the treatment of respiratory and related diseases. Follow on social: #partyataltitude #5280AIRSociety #njhevents.