MORGAN ADAMS CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE 2025

The 22nd Annual Morgan Adams Concours d’Elegance was truly a night to remember. The Gala Held on August 23rd at the Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado is the centerpiece of a three-day charity event dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research through the Morgan Adams Foundation.

Looking under the hood of 1949 Fiat 500B

Over 2,000 philanthropists, collectors, and enthusiasts strolled through the expansive Signature Aviation hangar, marveling at over 150 carefully curated collections of modern and vintage airplanes, automobiles, and motorcycles. The evening was punctuated by the thrilling roar of the occasional  flyovers, as breathtaking air displays soared above, set against the vibrant silhouette of the city. 

Standout exhibits included iconic classics like a 1956 Mercedes 300SL, a 1992 Lamborghini Countach, and a 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS DINO, alongside custom private jets and extraordinary period aircraft, celebrating the evolution of engineering and design.

As the sun dipped below the horizon patrons savored a delicious dinner crafted by a diverse array of Denver’s Premium Food and drink providers. Hosts Corey Rose, Jordan Chavez, and Auctioneer Vic Lombardi captivated the audience with their heartfelt words, illuminating the whole purpose of the evening. Yet it was Nora, The Young Ambassador and cancer survivor who stole the spotlight.

Morgan Adams Youth Ambassador Nora Dane with her brother Mac, Mom Caroline, and Dad Alex

Nora’s courageous story moved the entire room to a standing ovation. Diagnosed at just two years old with an embryonal brain tumor, Nora endured a 51 week treatment regimen, including 17 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of proton radiation therapy, requiring anesthesia for 13 consecutive days.  Her resilience embodied  the heart of the evening and The Morgan Adams Foundation mission.

Of course none of this could be possible if it weren’t  for Joan Slaughter who is the  co-founder and Executive Director of the Morgan Adams Foundation. Joan launched Morgan Adams Concours d’Elegance in 2003 with her late husband, Steven Adams, in memory of their daughter, Morgan, who passed away at age 6 from a brain tumor in 1998. Joan’s personal loss drives her relentless dedication to the event, which has grown from a modest gathering of 500 guests to a premier charity Concours in the Western United States. She oversees every detail, ensuring a diverse, world-class collection of vehicles while keeping the focus on funding cutting-edge research. Beyond the Concours, Joan’s leadership extends to roles on the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation Board and the NIH’s Pediatric Central Institutional Review Board, amplifying her impact. Her ability to unite a community of supporters, exhibitors, and volunteers. around the shared goal of honoring Morgan’s legacy has made the Concours a powerful platform for hope.