2019 Children’s Gala: Starry Night Raises $3.4 Million

Starlight, star bright. Everyone who wished upon a star for good things to happen at this year’s Children’s Hospital Colorado Gala had their wish granted with an evening full of fun, enlightenment and generous donations that will continue to fuel the organization’s mission. Using the metaphor that we’re all connected, just like star constellations in the sky, the 2019 fundraiser sparkled with decor, food and entertainment…along with the light of donors, supporters, staff and patients. The event raised a record-setting $3.4 million for Children’s Colorado.

RJ Clark Family Foundation girls’ night at the reception.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, more than 1,400 guests made their way to the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to celebrate the gala’s 42nd year raising funds to continue the good works of Children’s Colorado that help its young patients thrive. The evening began with a silent auction, and food and beverage stations galore. Guests then adjourned to the ballroom for a sumptuous dinner. (Savvy event returnees knew not to completely fill up at the reception.)

(l to r): Children’s Colorado Ambassadors Maggie, Jalen, Mateo and Emilia, and Reggie Rivers

The evening’s program included personal stories, lots of laughs and a few heartfelt tears. Those who took the stage included: Children’s Hospital’s president and CEO Jena Hausmann; Children’s Foundation president and CEO Jen Darling; the Ed and Jeannette Kerr family, gala hosts, with a personal Children’s Colorado story from Remington Kerr; former Denver Bronco, the always amiable Reggie Rivers; and ABC TV’s “The Bachelor” Colton Underwood. The real stars were five Children’s Colorado Ambassadors who charmed the crowd: Mateo and Emilia, Hunter, Maggie and Jalen. The live auction and paddle raise alone raised more than $1 million for the cause. The evening concluded with a spirited concert by Fitz and the Tantrums, along with even more after-party activities and edible enticements.

Children’s Hospital Colorado is a nonprofit fueled by its donors, treating kids and only kids. The hospital has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than a century, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on both patient and family.

Children’s Colorado once again has been recognized as a one of the nation’s best. According to the 2019-20 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings released this summer by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado earned a spot among the best-of-the-best children’s hospitals on the Honor Roll, and for the first time ranked in the Top 20 in all ten recognized specialty areas. The nonprofit pediatric health system is the only ranked children’s hospital in Colorado, and the top-ranked children’s hospital in the surrounding 12 states. For more information, visit https://www.childrenscolorado.org.

Foundation President and CEO Jen Darling, with Ambassador Mateo

Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation was established in 1978 and is dedicated solely to advancing the mission of Children’s Hospital Colorado. From conducting cutting-edge research and treatment to building kids’ confidence through the hospital sports program, providing family sleep rooms and integrating arts therapy into the healing process, Children’s Colorado is truly unique in its approach to treatment.

Every dollar received is used to further Children’s Colorado’s mission of caring for and curing children. Donor support helps expand its reach nationally and internationally, and makes Children’s Colorado one of the world’s preeminent institutions of medicine and science. To learn more, please go to http://www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org.