6th Annual Hearts of All Ages

Hundreds of parents and their children streamed through the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Valentine’s Day-Friday, February 14th, to celebrate the 6th Annual Hearts of All Ages fundraiser supporting the University of Colorado Hospital.

It was a family night out for more than 1,000 guests with treats for kids and adults including four buffet tables, open bar/beverage area, activity and game areas, multiple tables for silent auction items, and live music from the band Tunisia.

John Harney, President and CEO of University of Colorado Hospital, opened the evening with a summary of hospital achievements including building expansion and awards bestowed on the hospital for cutting edge technology and award winning departments. 9News meteorologist Becky Ditchfield served as emcee and recognized VIPs, donors, supporters and oversaw the silent auction giveaways.

Every year the Hearts of All Ages event devotes funding to a particular hospital department. For 2014, event proceeds were committed to the hospital’s orthopedics department known for its innovative treatments and world class services.

The Valentine’s Day evening converts the museum venue into a carnival-like setting featuring face painting, caricature artists, cotton candy, dessert bars, popcorn treats, an arts and crafts section and an entire hangar space to run around in. A long line at the balloon artist table kept kids, teens and parents busy all night while the man on stilts entertained children.

Liz Bravman and her son, Oliver, poked their heads out of cut-out characters to resemble dynamic parachutists floating down from the sky. The silent auction featured a Disney vacation package and a Goldendoodle puppy named “Pumpkin” from Blue Sky Kennels was taken home by a lucky family. Orthopedic surgeon and extreme athlete Dr. Omer Mei-Dan of the sports medicine orthopedics department and son, Ben, enjoyed viewing the modern and vintage aircraft. As a BASE jumper himself Mei-Dan brings his personal experiences in treating and researching best methods for hip injuries and sports medicine treatments.

Gala committee members Dr. Jason Stoneback and Gin Stoneback ensured everyone enjoyed the evening. An orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor, Stoneback recently received Physician of the Year award from the hospital and volunteers for various rodeos including the annual Denver Stock Show, and Professional Bull Riders groups.

CoBiz Financial’s Steven Bangert, Dick Monfort and hospital board chair Timothy Travis enjoyed the evening with friends and business associates. Also attending were Vice Chancellor of the Anschutz Medical Campus Dr. Richard Krugman and his wife Mary; Lilly Marks, Vice President for Health Affairs for the University of Colorado system; Heather and Dan Rieber, UC Health Vice President, Finance and Controller; Dr. Richard Zane, chair of the department of emergency medicine; Dr. Mandava Naresh of the Opthamology Department and many other administrative staff members from throughout the hospital campus.

Thanks to their perseverance and quick bids and timing, Dr. Jean Kutner and sons Jackson & Casey won several silent auction items before the night was over. The energy and enthusiasm of supporters and staff leadership reflects the professionalism and innovation of the University of Colorado system that continues to pioneer new techniques and treatments recognized nationwide.

For more information regarding Hearts of All Ages and the University of Colorado Hospital Orthopedics Department visit www.heartsofallages.org or www.cuortho.org