For those of us in the midst of the winter doldrums (aka, Is it snowing in Denver again?), National Jewish Health provided the perfect antidote: a Rio de Janeiro Carnival theme for this year’s Beaux Arts Ball. Packed with flamboyant costumes and dancing, colorful decor and plenty of food, beverages and nonstop samba music, the downtown extravaganza virtually whisked guests away for a fun, blissfully snow-free escape.

Rio Carnival energy comes to the 2020 Beaux Arts Ball.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, NJH supporters arrived ready to party at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, with a suggested black-tie dress code that guests supplemented with energy, color and some ornate Carnival-inspired masks. Samba music and Rio Ball dancers accented the lively cocktail hour. NJH has a great tradition of ditching the usual call-to-dinner chimes for something more unusual, and didn’t disappoint as Boulder Samba School percussionists and Rio-inspired dancers paraded into the ballroom for an energetic performance as 1,100 guests were seated.

Board chair Steve Kris acknowledged the hard work and support of so many that included sponsors, event chairs, and the board of directors and trustees. Taking the stage were this year’s grand marshals: Molly and Rob Cohen, Joy and Chris Dinsdale, Katherine Gold, Judy and Charlie McNeil, and Kelly and Marc Steron. Kris also named elected officials that were scheduled to be on hand: Gov. Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner.

NJH Executive Committee member Eddie Robinson (left) and Gov. Jared Polis

This year’s video about the success of National Jewish Health–as well as its My Life My Quit program enacted to combat the current vaping epidemic–was augmented by remarks made by NJH President and CEO Michael Salem, M.D. and a stage appearance by NJH patients. Former Denver Bronco and dynamic personality Reggie Rivers urged on donations to help continue NJH’s medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. The evening ended with dancers inviting the crowd onto the dance floor to show off their own patented samba moves.

National Jewish Health’s 2020 Beaux Arts Rio Ball grand marshals

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation (U.S. News and World Report rankings). Salem writes: “Through our comprehensive and collaborative model of care, we take groundbreaking treatments straight to the patients who need them most. We also tailor treatments to a patient’s unique situation, environment and genetic makeup. This precision medicine approach can lead to earlier disease detection, helping patients live longer, healthier lives….Your support enables us to discover new treatments and deliver the unique care experience for which we are known.” To learn more, please visit: njhealth.org. To take a personal Behind the Scenes tour, call 303-728-6591.

Blacktie Colorado
Blacktie Colorado