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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
- Pre-dinner performers provided energetic entertainment.
- One of the pretty VIP tables with florals by Design Works and a parrot’s-eye view of the stage
- Leslie Levine (left) and Nikki Warren
- Heidi and Adam Brevan
- Paige and Marco Chayet
- Board chair Steve Kris
- This is how NJH calls its guests to dinner.
- Rio Carnival spirit at the 2020 Beaux Arts Ball
- Rio Carnival energy comes to the 2020 Beaux Arts Ball.
- Board chair Steve Kris, with the 2020 Beaux Arts Rio Ball grand marshals
- The Centennial Ballroom was transformed into Copacabana Palace.
- Feathers, palm trees and color…what more could you ask for in Rio Ball decor?