2016 Children’s Gala Raises $1.9 Million

Big Head Todd and the Monsters may have drawn in some of the guests, but an inspiring program featuring an engaging family turned the focus squarely on Children’s Hospital Colorado. Since it began 39 years ago, Children’s Gala has been known for outstanding entertainment, thoughtful insights and generous hearts, and this year was no exception. 9News anchor Cheryl Preheim and her family shared their positive experiences at Children’s Colorado, describing with grace and gratitude son Josh’s open-heart surgery and baby Joseph’s week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. There were laughs, too, as Joseph grabbed the mic and continually marveled at balloons on the ceiling. Men around the room could relate as three-point basketball shooter Josh sheepishly admitted that maybe tux-wearing was a tad uncomfortable.

Big Head Todd, a photo opp and a big smile say it all.

At the Hyatt Regency Denver (Colorado Convention Center), 1,400 guests began the evening with an elaborate reception that featured a silent auction, martini bar, appetizers galore and musical entertainment by The Beaus. Guests had the opportunity to donate a Bummer Bear to Children’s Colorado patients, and for a $100 donation could also select an envelope with a hidden surprise and the added bonus of sending an encouraging personal message to youngsters treated at the hospital. After a sit-down dinner, Children’s Colorado president and CEO, Jena Hausmann, and Steve Winesett, the foundation’s president and CEO, told guests about the praiseworthy work of the hospital. They were followed by event co-hosts Denise O’Leary and Kent Thiry, who spoke about their own personal experiences with Children’s Colorado. Preheim’s family charmed the entire building with their real-life success stories at the hospital, and Cheryl showed guests son Josh’s “Brave Conquers Fear” t-shirts, which the family plans to deliver to Children’s Colorado patients.

2016 gala co-hosts Kent Thiry and Denise O’Leary

Karen Sorbo presided over a live auction that featured four coveted merchandise and entertainment enticements, and bountiful bids on those packages spilled over into more on-the-spot, high-dollar donations. All in all, the 2016 fundraiser garnered about $1.9 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado, adding to the previous $34 million total raised at galas over the past 39 years. Guests celebrated with a spirited concert by Colorado’s own Big Head Todd and the Monsters, followed up with tunes by DJ LO. Coffee, after-dinner drinks and sweet treats were served just outside the ballroom at evening’s end.

Children’s Hospital Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than 100 years. Founded in 1908, Children’s Colorado is a leading pediatric network entirely devoted to the health and well-being of children. Continually acknowledged as one of the nation’s outstanding pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and ranked on its Best Children’s Hospitals 2016-17 Honor Roll, Children’s Colorado is known for both its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research, education and advocacy programs, as well as comprehensive everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. The hospital’s family-centered, collaborative approach combines the nation’s top pediatric doctors, nurses and researchers to pioneer new approaches to pediatric medicine, providing treatment for a full spectrum of pediatric specialties. For more information, please visit www.childrenscolorado.org and connect with Children’s Colorado on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.