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.
National Jewish Health’s 2020 Beaux Arts Rio Ball grand marshals
Grand marshals Judy and Charlie McNeil
Grand marshals Joy and Chris Dinsdale
Grand marshals Kelly and Marc Steron
Grand marshals Molly and Rob Cohen
Hyatt Regency pros prepare for 1100 guests at the reception.
Entrance to the 2020 NJH Beaux Arts Rio Ball
Board chair Steve and Elizabeth Kris
A VIP table is prepared for the dinner program with florals by Design Works.
President and CEO Michael Salem, M.D. (left) and William Allstette
Ginga band members set the tone for a fun reception.
(l to r): Dick, Ashley, Judy and Natalia McCarthy, and Rodney Weakly
(l to r): Sarah Indyk, event co-chair Jamie Van Leeuwen and Lindy Eichenbaum Lent
(l to r): Roger and Meredith Hutson, and Pat Meyers
(l to r): Lisa and Jason Walko, Todd and Rachel Sachs, and Loren and Gil Selinger
(l to r): Mariel Gerber, Tony Gerber, M.D., and Marc Moss, M.D. and Heather Moss
John Farnan (left) and Paul Heitzenrater
(l to r): Parker Semler, Christine Benero, event co-chair Jamie Van Leeuwen, 2020 grand marshal Katherine Gold, event co-chairs Gail and Jack Klapper, M.D., and Barbara Grogan
(l to r): Shane Henderson, Executive Committee member Eddie Robinson and Larry Mizel
David and Rachel Fromal
NJH Executive Committee member Eddie Robinson (left) and Gov. Jared Polis
(l to r): Martin and Lynn Webb, Matt and Katie Wentland, and Marissa and Terence Garrett
Parrot decor and a Rio Ball dancer go hand in hand at the reception.
Rio Ball dancers pose at the reception
(l to r): David and Rachel Fromal, Chris Dyke, and Irene and John Tynes
Hyatt Regency catering pros put out a tasty, plentiful spread at the reception.
(l to r): Chloe Dinsdale, event co-chair Christian Dinsdale
Laura and Todd McWha, and Jillian Dinsdale
Carlos Martinez (left), Gloria Schoch and Phillip Danielson
In the fun-filled atmosphere, selecting the right appetizer can be serious business!
Blair and Kristin Richardson pose in front of their event sponsorship banner.
Denise and Brent Snyder
Guests were greeted at the reception with food and beverages galore.
(l to r): Grand marshal Charlie McNeil, Edie Marks, and Shannon and Mike Kopp
This Boulder Samba School percussionist is full of energy.
A little mood lighting and a lot of great music from the stage
2020 Grand Marshals: Molly & Rob Cohen, Joy & Chris Dinsdale, Katherine Gold, Judy & Charlie McNeil, Kelly & Marc Steron
Event Chairs:
Lisa & Tom Corley, Christian Dinsdale, Gail & Jack Klapper, Bonnie & David Mandarich, Brittany & Jonathan Rogers, Jamie Van Leeuwen & Andrei Parven, Viki & Jack Thompson, Amy Venturi Kerry & Gerald Zarlengo
Committee Members:
Executive Committee: Anne & Rich Baer, Sue & John Bolger, Sunny & Norman Brownstein, Robin & Steven Chotin, Denise & Warren Cohen, Lindsey & Stanton Dodge, Janie & David Eves, Debbie & Michael Feiner, Arlene & A. Barry Hirschfeld, Carrie & John Morgridge, Shereen & Michael Pollak, Laszlo “Lots” Pook, Kristin & Blair Richardson, Susan & Eddie Robinson, Maja & Mark Rosenquist, Linda & Rich Schierburg
President/CEO:
President and CEO: Michael Salem, MD
Sponsors:
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Morgridge Family Foundation ... Carnival Sponsor: Bank of Colorado ... Platinum Sponsor; Goldbug, Katherine Gold, Anne & Rich Baer ... Exclusive Auto Sponsor: Audi Denver ... Gold Sponsors: Arrow Electronics, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP , Nancy Deifik, Dinsdale Brothers, Inc. & Performance Plus Colorado, The Chotin Foundation - Robin & Steve & Family - Elizabeth & Steve Kris, IMA Financial Group - Rob & Molly Cohen, Judy & Charlie McNeil, NexGen Resources Corporation ... Silver Sponsors: Aon, David & Laura Merage Foundation, Spencer Fane ... Bronze Sponsors: Aon, BKD CPAs & Advisors; Cator, Ruma & Associates, Co. / Structural Consultants, Inc.; Davis Partnership Architects, PC; Denver Art Museum, El Pomar Foundation, Great Southwestern Construction, Greiner Electric, SCL Health, Rebecca & Lew Kling, Wendy & Jimmy Miller, UMB Bank Colorado, University of Colorado Medicine, US Bank, US Engineering Company, Xcel Energy ... Diamond Couple Sponsors: Daniels Fund, SP+ Parking Management Services, Wayne & Debra Berger
Menu:
Salad: Mixed baby red romaine with hearts of palm, manchego, tomato and shaved radish served with acai vinaigrette, bread selection; Entree: Short rib with agrodolce demi, cipollini onions, rainbow carrots and her orzo; Vegetarian Entree: Acaraje black-eyed bean patty with pepper sauce, lemon-oil kale salad and red quinoa; Desserts: Mousse de Maracuja accented with guava puree and fresh berries, Bolo de Leite with toasted coconut cream and grilled pinaeapple
Attire:
Black Tie (with a little carnival flair)
Information:
NationalJewish.org
Ticket Prices:
$500 per person
Event Coordinator:
Clem Connolly: National Director, Special Events, Western Region
Board of Directors:
Chair: Richard Baer; Vice Chairs: Robin Chotin, Don Silversmith, Evan Zucker; Secretary: Robin Chotin, Treasurer: Larry Silverstein; Assistant Treasurer; Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer: Christine Forkner; Co-Chairs, Council of National Trustees: Stephen Siegel and Wendy Siegel; Vice Chair, Council of National Trustees: Albert D. Angel; Regional Vice Chairs, Council of National Trustees: Jeffrey Kapor, Tom Flexner, Gary Silversmith, Bob Paller ... For a complete list of board members, go to https://www.nationaljewish.org/about/leadership/board