Beaux Arts Ball Celebrates 20 Years With Revolutionary Flair

Posted: Lisa Perry

When you’re one of the most prolific fundraising events in town—one that typically raises $2 million—how do you celebrate your own 20th anniversary? This year’s Beaux Arts Freedom Ball rose to the occasion, infusing its annual big, bold bash with American Revolution spirit, to the delight of 1,200 guests—all supporters of the programs and services of beneficiary National Jewish Health. The evening included Broadway-worthy performances drawn from “Hamilton,” including costumed dancers, singers, rappers and flag-wavers, along with a dance-inducing live band. And that was just the call to dinner.

Spirit of ’76

On Saturday, Feb. 25, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum was transformed into a Colonial village for a cocktail reception full of period décor, live characters from “Hamilton,” servers in Paul Revere hats … all with red, white and blue touches, of course. One side of the room was bordered by a floor-to-ceiling tarp, hiding the dining area. Just after 7 p.m., it was dramatically lowered after a song-and-dance presentation, and guests followed performers to their seats. Several partygoers hit the dance floor with the Bobby Attiko Band blaring out a musical invitation, even as dinner service was beginning.

John and Carrie Morgridge, recipients of this year’s Arthur B. Lorber Award for Distinguished Service

Board chair Blair Richardson began the program singling out well-known people in the audience, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Ken Salazar. Honorary chair Barry Hirschfeld was recognized onstage, and Michael Salem, M.D., president and CEO, talked about National Jewish Health’s singular programs and services. Carrie and John Morgridge were recognized as recipients of the 2017 Arthur B. Lorber Award for Distinguished Service. The couple are vice president and president, respectively, of the Morgridge Family Foundation, which has supported major projects at NJH, as well as other noted Denver institutions. The award is the highest honor bestowed by National Jewish Health, and recognizes individuals who show leadership that has impacted the reputation, service science or mission of the institution. This year’s grand marshals were recognized from the stage: Debbie and Michael Feiner, Cathey and Richard Finlon, Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz and Donald Kortz, and Julie and Brent Morse.

The Bobby Attiko Band kept everyone dancing before and after the dinner program.

A live auction segment with auctioneer Christian Kolberg included a trio of package experiences: Bon Jovi and Faith Hill/Tim McGraw concerts, a trip to the CMA Awards in Nashville and an ultra-luxe excursion to Napa Valley. At the program’s conclusion, guests had the opportunity to once again take over the dance floor to kick up their heels, urged on by the Bobby Attiko until the building had to lock its doors.

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, NJH today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and a treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. Patients and their families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge comprehensive, coordinated care.

Salem writes: “Through your participation in this event, you share in (NJH) success, ensuring that important programs continue to transform lives, our scientists make groundbreaking discoveries to cure diseases and our physicians can care for all patients regardless of ability to pay. At National Jewish Health, we are focused on innovation and the future. The work we do today will shape health care tomorrow. And the future of patient care lies with the kinds of teamwork for which we are known. Pulmonologists consult with rheumatologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists and allergists to make the right diagnoses and to develop a complete picture and plan for their patients. As a result, we diagnose diseases earlier and we also focus on prevention and precision medicine.

“We would appreciate the opportunity to show you in person what makes National Jewish Health the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Please let us know if you are interested in a Behind the Scenes visit.” For more information, please visit NationalJewish.org.

: Grand marshals Cathey and Richard Finlon

: Mary Lou Blackledge Kortz and Donald Kortz, grand marshals

: Grand marshals Debbie and Michael Feiner

: Brent and Julie Morse, grand marshals

: John and Carrie Morgridge, recipients of this year’s Arthur B. Lorber Award for Distinguished Service

: Honorary chair Barry Hirschfeld (right), with wife Arlene and President and CEO Michael Salem, MD

: Dignitaries of this year’s Beaux Arts Freedom Ball

: John and Carrie Morgridge (left) join the group of event honorees.

: Costumed characters at the reception

: (l to r): Brandy Dicks, Jessica Lacombe, and Abi and Erik Larson

: Karen McCabe (left), Phil Fitzjarrell and Barbie Moore

: Sampling hors d’oeuvres at the reception

: (l to r): Michael and Maureen Taylor, Donna Bowers, and Jameson and Annie Smith

: Tables are set for 1,200

: The bar area stayed busy during the reception.

: Greiner Electric at the reception

: (l to r): Debra and Wayne Berger, and Trish and Scott MacDonald

: Sampling seafood at the reception

: Brian Boyd (left) and William Hewitt

: (l to r): Kimbra Jerman, Blaine Horner, and Shannon and Eric Hackett

: Gary Snyder and Sara Almerri

: Feiner family members pose in front of the Feiner Family Foundation banner.

: Jennifer and Mike Tolleson

: Friends of Shea Properties

: (l to r): Danielle Amaro, Kyle Carrington and Angel Meza

: Ellie and Beau Jenkins

: Shannon Mitchell and Anthony Brownlee

: Julie and Mike Bearup

: Marc and Laura Paolicelli, and Staci and Aaron Wiebelhaus

: Nordstrom reps at the reception

: Darek and Serena Bruzgo, board member Jandel Allen-Davies and Anthony Davies, and Megan Fisher

: Nicole Isenberg and Trey Torres

: (l to r): Susan Montague, Gordon Smith, Ellen Stewart and Don Vancil

: Steve Coffin and Patti Schwayder

: (l to r): Chuck Hawes, Sue Bowlman and Adam Sheridan

: (l to r): James Reynolds, Leslie Whitehouse, Jill Reynolds, Andy King, and Avery and Lance Soderberg

: (l to r): Bonnie Mandrich, honoree Carrie Morgridge, Kristin Richardson and Steve Rosedale

: “Eliza Hamilton” in character

: Jill Reynolds and Leslie Whitehouse

: (l to r): Abby Goldsmith, Walter Isenberg, Christie Isenberg, honorary chair Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld

: Roy and Sandra Mecilli

: (l to r): Dan Love, Steven Kick and Steve Turner

: Kyle and Olivia Young

: (l to r): Ann King White, Roger White, and Jo and Martin Semple

: Lisa Pauly and David Taylor

: Costumed dancers begin their energetic performance.

: Just a portion of the pre-dinner performance

: The curtain falls and the dining area is opened to guests.

: Spirit of ’76

: The Bobby Attiko Band kept everyone dancing before and after the dinner program.

: Pre-dinner dancing

: Daniel and Angela Feiner

: Dinner is served.

: It was all eyes on stage as the dinner service began.

: Dancers deliver a spirited performance.

: The cast performs “My Shot” from “Hamilton.”

: Board president Blair Richardson

: Guests react to a speaker.

: Honorary chairman Barry Hirschfeld (right) is honored on stage.

: Wings Over the Rockies a la Beaux Arts Freedom Ball

18 Jun

An Evening of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Posted: Lisa Perry

At age 15, he developed an early-detection test for pancreatic cancer, even after a slew of rejections from potential mentors. Experimenting with a small amount of nitro glycerin, he inadvertently blew a 40-foot crater in his own backyard—and put his family on an FBI watch list. Amazing wunderkind Jack Andraka was the fascinating keynote speaker at An Evening of Hope, this year’s Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research fundraiser. Founder Maureen Shul told guests she discovered him on a broadcast of 60 Minutes and “stalked him” until he agreed to make an appearance in Denver.

Representatives of sponsor Aircraft Performance Group (APG) at the reception

On Saturday, June 18, more than 200 supporters gathered at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus for a casual reception and silent auction. Shul said the event was focused on pancreatic-cancer research, so what better place to be? Guests made their way to the auditorium, where energetic Gary Corbett served as event emcee and auctioneer for five big-ticket items up for bid. Shul told the crowd the event was designed to show the present state of pancreatic cancer, as well as the possibilities to be gained with more research. Also addressing the crowd: Colin Weekes, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of medical oncology, as well as Richard Schulick, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chair of the department of surgery, both at CU-Anschutz. The evening ended with a booksigning for “Breakthrough,” authored by Andraka.

Gary Corbett (left), supported by event speakers, makes an appeal for individual donations at the live auction.

From an early age, Jack Andraka was enormously curious about everything to do with science. Before grade school, his parents, with backgrounds in medicine and engineering, taught him the rudiments of scientific methods. It was the death of a close family friend caused by pancreatic cancer that focused Andraka’s energy and brilliance in trying to find a way to detect the disease in its early stages. His test, developed at age 15, costs three cents and five minutes to run—400 times more effective than the previous detection method used by medical professionals. Among a slew of awards, Andraka was honored with the 2014 Jefferson Award, the nation’s most prestigious public-service recognition, and was First Lady Michelle Obama’s personal guest at the State of the Union Address. Andraka recently completed his first year at Stanford University under a grant from National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and conducts research on nanorobots and inkjet-printed biosensors for environmental contaminants and diseases.

Wings of Hope was founded in 2012 by Maureen Shul after losing her brother and mother to pancreatic cancer within months of each other. In 2013, the University of Colorado Cancer Center entered into a formal partnership with her foundation, with all efforts and proceeds going directly toward raising awareness and funding for the the pancreatic cancer research at Anschutz Medical Campus. Wings of Hope has raised approximately $400,000 since its creation. For more information, please visit: www.wingsofhopepcr.org.

: Founder of Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Maureen Shul, with keynote speaker Jack Andraka

: Auctioneer-emcee Gary Corbett and Sherri Sturm

: Debra and Wayne Berger

: Cameron and Aubree Gorsevski

: Theresa Blumberg bids at the silent auction.

: Board member Stacy Ohlsson (right), with Debra and Wayne Berger

: Josh Miller (left) and Michaela Mullins

: Guests at the reception-silent auction

: Dave Jensen (left) and Roger Larson

: Bill and Theresa Blumberg, with Judy Dearasaugh (right)

: Wings of Hope jewelry is shown by Kim and Cole Feilmeier

: Ryan Weickum and Natalie Cantu

: Guests peruse the artwork of pancreatic cancer survivor Arturo Garcia. Garcia donated 50 percent of the profits to Wings of Hope.

: Arturo Garcia, Dennyse Tejeda (left) and Kathy Tejeda, with Arturo’s artwork.

: Dennyse Tejeda (left), Arturo Garcia and Kathy Tejeda

: Pat and Myka Landry

: Karen Wehling (left), with Jerry Sinning and Julie Banahan

: A friendly handshake at the silent auction

: From Saint joseph Hospital (l to r): Katie Tiernan, Lisa Alecci, Kim Irwin and Susan Dill

: Board member Colin Weekes, M.D., Ph.D.; Arturo Garcia and Isaiah Weekes

: Representatives of sponsor Aircraft Performance Group (APG) at the reception

: Bidding at the silent auction

: (l to r): Andrea Scharris, Martha Herbert, Jill Huff, Cecile Schultz and board member Stacy Ohlsson

: Ellias and Elle Najjar

: (l to r): Nancy Mahoney, Janet Comerford, Jane Fine and Gabe Mahoney

: (l to r): Bob Boubek, Theresa Blumberg, Debra Smith, Barry Biggs and Bill Blumberg

: (l to r): Amy Jensen, Roger Larson, David Jensen and Claudia Larson

: Josh and Laura Noel

: Victoria, of Catering by Design (left) and Kathy Tejeda

: Jeanine and Matt Laughlin

: Robert Imhoff (left) and Randy Ohlson

: (l to r): Max Barber, Gayle Peters and Jack Baker

: Representing sponsor Washington Park Chiropractic at the reception

: Meg and Mark Nicolet (left), with Jeremy Andrews

: Cucumber-infused water was a refreshing treat at the reception.

: Emily and George Britt

: Doug Fox and Mandy Dickerson

: Nancy and Karen at the reception

: Judy Ginter and Ruth Pershing

: Deciding on which artwork to purchase

: Robert Olislagers, executive director of event sponsor Centennial Airport, with Wings of Hope founder Maureen Shul

: Engaging wunderkind Jack Andraka chats with guests at the reception.

: Putting in a final bid at the silent auction

: The silent auction included a variety of sports memorabilia.

: Catering by Design servers were kept busy at the reception.

: Sam, Scott and Will St. John

: Checking out bids on an autographed football helmet

: (l to r): Jane Pearson, Marsha Lessar and Alison Biggs

: Gary Corbett tells the audience that without his cowboy hat, he’s an emcee (otherwise, he runs the silent auction).

: Board member Colin Weekes, M.D., Ph.D., points out medical researchers in the audience.

: Richard Schulick, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chair, Department of Surgery, CU Anschutz Medical Campus

: Pledging a donation for Wings of Hope

: Gary Corbett (left), supported by event speakers, makes an appeal for individual donations at the live auction.

: Speakers gathered on stage for a portion of the live auction.

: Enjoying the live auction

: Gary Corbett, auctioneer

: Saying yes to a donation pledge

: Bid cards were raised high during the live auction.

: Pledging a donation to Wings of Hope

: As keynote speaker, engaging Jack Andraka showed his charm matched his brainpower.

: Keynote speaker Jack Andraka developed an early-detection test for pancreatic cancer at age 15.

15 Apr

CNI Spotlight on Hope Awards at Ritz-Carlton

Posted: ML Chavez

The Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) this year combined its Hope Awards and Gala into one unique event held at the Denver Ritz-Carlton April 15th to honor surviving patients and dedicated advocates representing Denver’s neurological community. The luxury downtown hotel’s front entrance provided a red carpet experience with strobe lights from enthusiastic paparazzi photographers and loud cheers for guests and honorees entering the hotel’s main lobby.

More than 375 guests packed the hotel mezzanine to honor four special honorees affected by organic brain diseases requiring state-of-the-art surgical procedures, chemo therapies and other treatments.

Presenting Sponsor Radiology Imaging Associates made the annual signature event possible with support from Gold Sponsors— Swedish Medical Center, Bill & Leslie Volbracht, Dr. Richard and Mrs. Linda VG Kelley –and Silver Level Sponsors: Triple B, Craig Hospital, TEVA, Rick & Robin Fort, HealthONE and other individual and corporate supporters.

The annual fundraiser raises money to support patients, research, and education for CNI, a 501(c) (3) organization established to enhance the delivery of personalized, comprehensive, and state-of-the- art care through coordinated patient care, education, research, and outreach activities.

This year’s honored guests were:

Exemplary Neuro Patient: Rick Schwartz–afflicted with Parkinson’s–is a former FOX sportscaster who is active in the community through board leadership with Parkinson’s Disease of the Rockies, speaking engagements and the creation of the new statewide “Boxing for Parkinson’s” program.

Exemplary Neuro Patient & Caregiver (inpatient and outpatient): Mandy & Matt Banks were both impacted by brain health issues. At the age of 28 – 8 months pregnant with her first child– Mandy had a hemorrhagic stroke which nearly took her life. After nearly a year of rehab at CNI, Mandy is back at work and busy mothering her infant son. Mandy and Matt have raised more than $50,000 for the American Heart Association, and have been an inspiration to the Denver community.

“Anything Can Happen” Award for a child who has courageously faced a neurological condition: Charlotte Varney is a 9-year-old brain tumor survivor who has undergone numerous procedures and chemo regiments over the past four years to finally reach her current “cancer free” status.

Neuroscientist of the Year: Multiple Sclerosis clinician Allen Bowling, MD, PhD speaks internationally and gives generously of his time and resources to CNI and the National MS Society. He has published extensively in the area of complimentary and alternative medicine for MS patients.

Established in 1988, CNI offers access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art care, support services, clinical trials, outpatient neuro rehab and counseling. CNI is home to 70 physician and research associates who all work to advance clinical trials into new treatments for MS, Parkinson’s and other brain conditions.

Visit www.thecni.org, call 303-788-4010 or email info@thecni.org for additional information, to volunteer or make a donation.

: Georgene Harsh, Eileen Whitmore

: Erica and Darrin Demarch

: Norm Franke, Randy Franke, Maggie Loe, Lisa Franke

: Betsy Bridges, Dorcas Avery

: Guests were treated like Hollywood celebrities throughout the night

: This year CNI combined its Hope Awards & Gala into one event

: Stephanie and Bill Tuthill

: Jan Blankennagel, Alicia Talbert

: Scott Handler, Director of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra

: Kevin Fallon, Wayne Connell

: Silent auction items

: Guests bid on unique silent auction items

: Specialized gift bags await guests

: Tony and Liz Palizzi

: Dr. Gary VanderArk and Phyllis VanderArk

: Gary Philips, Jeremy and Ashly Gleason

: Wendy and Murray Smith, Robin Fort

: Anne Crocker, July Negron, Molly Brown, Sarah Schwenk, Jenny Arnold

: Karen and Perry

: Alec Solky and Victoria Rallens

: Susan Stiff, Don and Arlene Johnson

: Tammy Rodriguez, Nola Nielsen

: Sarah Bowling, Therese Beaudette, Elizabeth Bowling

: Kelley and Paul Swanno, Brenda Barr

: Lynn Bunnell, Georgene Harsh, Eileen Whitmore, Paula Potter, Stacie Saavedra

: Sheila Bellew, Voradel Carey, Cheryl Siefert

: CNI Director Tami Lack, Stephanie Bender

: CNI Director Tami Lack, Stephanie Bender

: Matty and Mandy Banks

: Emily and Ryan LeMasters

: Greco Family: Jessica, Mark, Glen, Michelle, Robert

: VP of Strategic Planning HCA-HealthONE Molly Hagan, Richard Hammett–President/CEO of Swedish Medical Center

: Jay Schneiders, PhD, Anita Virginillo

: CNI Corporate Chair Doug Tisdale, Stephanie Bender

: Shauna Runchey, Alica Novak, Courtney Scantlini

: CNI Physician Chair Daniel Huddle, DO

: Dr. Judd Jensen, Amy Jensen

: Susan Stiff, Steve Edmonds

15 Nov

CU School of Medicine's Bow Tie Ball honors Dr. Richard Krugman

Posted: Jan McNutt

Dr. Richard Krugman served as the Dean of the University of Colorado School of Medicine for 25 years. In his honor on Saturday night, November 15, 2014, (what looked like) the entire medical community came out to celebrate the man, who leaves behind him an insurmountable legacy to the state’s medical community and the CU School of Medicine.

Event Chair Jamie Angelich, created the lovely tribute evening to celebrate and highlight the charming, gregarious, kind, intelligent and generous man. Krugman’s league of friends and colleagues readily took to the podium to remember the many years spent in his company.

Emcee Matt Iseman led the accolades throughout the evening. Iseman, a former practicing MD and CU School of Medicine alumnus, left his medical career and headed to Los Angeles years ago. The former doctor is now an accomplished working actor, writer, Emmy Award winner and host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior…talk about a career change. His Hollywood presence and familiarity to Denver, and the school, served to keep the ball rolling with humor and well deserved respect for Dr. Krugman throughout the night.

The evening honored the Dean by hosting a live auction, led by Iseman. Among the unique and beautiful items auctioned was a autographed painting of Peyton Manning by Malcolm Farley, bronze sculptures by Georgene McGonagle, an exquisite Lady Rolex diamond watch from Hyde Park, a dinner for ten at Elway’s Cherry Creek with Dean Krugman (Iseman added one more to the $1,000 dollar a pop dinner.) Eleven friends will sit down at Elway’s to enjoy a steak dinner. Last but not least, from Hollywood, tickets to the 2015 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles at the NOKIA Theatre, January 7, 2015.

Sharing memories and respect for a long career were Darrell Kirch, MD, President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges. Lilly Marks, Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Colorado, Executive Vice Chancellor, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Donald M. Elliman, Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Dean Richard Krugman’s family honored their father and husband by unveiling a beautiful portrait by Benjamin McCready.

Dr. Richard Krugman is a man who did his job with quiet ease for 25 years. He will be greatly missed in the Dean’s office at CU Medical School. Dr. Krugman thanked his staff, the school and Jamie Angelich for the wonderful send-off by adding, “I’m not retiring. I’m going to finish the work I started 25 years ago.” Krugman spent the better part of a medical career, before becoming Dean, on efforts to ending child abuse.

: Portrait by Benjamin McCready

: Dr. Richard Krugman

: Matt Iseman, standup comic and former MD

: Matt Iseman

: Everyone wanted to congratulate the Dean

: Richard Krugman trying to make his way to the ballroom

: Ballroom was set for kings

: Huge, exquisite ice sculpture

: L to R: Ned Calonge, Mark Watts, Janis Farrell

: L to R: Nancy, Matthew & Sam Gary

: L to R: Jim & Barbara Todd, Sam Gary

: L to R: Bob & Sharla Hottman, Jena & Kevin Hausmann

: L to R: John & Lauren Palek, Tammy & Mike Randle

: Debbie Carter, Diane Strong

: L to R: William Vaniman, Frannie Matthews, Joanna & Randy Larsen

: Naresh & Donna Mandava

: Barbara Mendel, Lynn Taussig

: L to R: Carol & Howard Torgove, Nancy Gary

: L to R: Marilyn & Michael Manco-Johnson, Dick Stiennier

: Margaret & Bob Eckel

: Lindsey & Patrick Ryan

: Robert McGranaghan, Bob Dellavalle

: L to R: Bob Dalton, Mary Osborn, Randy Lortschser

: Mickey & Donna Mandel

: John Corboy, Chris Filley

: L to R: Alfred Gilchrist, Ani Reddy, Bianca Pullen

: Allison Kempe, Dugan Mahoney

: Mark & Linda Hannen

: Diana Black, Donald Bross

: L to R: Stephanie Thomas, Gene & Judy Bolles

: L to R: Jane Gibbs, Nanette Santoro, Alan Glickman

: The Araphoe Philharmonic Quartet

: Jeffrey & Birgit Kieft

: L to R: Wag Schorr, Ralph Altiere, Melinda McIntyre, Anna Lee Schorr

: Lisa & Jim Costello

: L to R: Tess & Chris Jones, Cheryl Balchunas

: L to R: Don Elliman, Molly & Bill Mosher

: L to R: Yan Ing Su, Robert Ambrosia, Jian Dong Hao

: Kathryn Holmes, Richard Duke

: L to R: Tom & Betsy Blumenthal, Randy Holmes

: Billie & Bill Maniatis

: Richard Krugman & Jamie Angelich

: The Dean & Jamie

: Ted Clarke, P.J. Bernardis

: Ryan Tully, Ellen Fritzler

: Stefanie Emerson, John Gray

: Jeff Thompson, Linda Pryor

: Daniel Fisher, Kelly Allegar

: Jennifer Schlener, Lorris Betz

: L to R: Alan Angelich, LaFawn Biddle, Jamie Angelich

: Anthony DeFurio, Wendy Rockey

: Those darn bow ties

: Carol Krugman Maller, Alex MallerAn

: L to R: Bob Marks, Diane Hill, Kevin Somerville

: L to R: Gerald & Doree Hickman, Karen & Louis Diamond

: Doug & Ann Jones

: The Krugman Family

: L to R: John Harney, Mary Krugman, Bruce Benson

: L to R: Richard Krugman, Marilyn VanDerbur & Larry Atler

: Richard Krugman, Marily VanDerbur Atler

: L to R: Lorris Betz, John Prescott, Atul Grover

: L to R: Krugman sons, Scott, Todd, Jordan, Josh

: Bruce & Marcy Benson

: John & Maureen Harney

: Emma & Derek Rushing

: Emerson Lomaquaha, Tina Fnlayson

: Ulric Klein, Brenda Bucklin

05 Apr

Hoops & Hoopla Scores for National Jewish Health

Posted: Lisa Perry

Ah, springtime in the Rockies! Sun, flowers blooming, some snowflakes—and for sports fans, watching the NCAA basketball semifinals at National Jewish Health’s Hoops & Hoopla. For the past 11 years, the annual fundraiser has become a rite of spring in Denver for both b-ball fans and NJH supporters. It’s always a slam dunk to host a party surrounding the last four men’s college basketball teams as they battle it out for a spot in the national championship game. But NJH planners take it above and beyond with accompanying party details that are sumptuous and guest-friendly. Ultimately the true winners are always the event’s beneficiaries: students at the Morgridge Academy on the NJH campus.

On Saturday, April 5, almost 400 settled in at Sports Authority Field’s East Club Level to catch the hoops action on tons of TVs. The event began with a pre-game open bar and snacks, along with a busy silent auction. Guests also had the opportunity to test their athletic skills with a spectrum of sports games plus some just-for-fun gaming tables including poker and roulette. Epicurean Catering provided a hearty gourmet buffet as event-goers sat down to watch the end of the UConn-Florida game while indulging in tasty chow.

Honorees: Heart of a Champion award, Bill Gregor (left); and Rookie of the Year, Ryan Wilson

Between games, a short program included remarks by board chair Rich Schierburg, who talked about the mission to house, feed, educate and treat students with chronic illnesses at Morgridge Academy, and the goal to get them back to public schools—all provided at no cost. Three awards were presented to deserving honorees: Greiner Electric, whose employees raised $40,000 for the cause, accepted the MVP trophy; Bill Gregor was honored with the Heart of a Champion award; and Ryan Wilson was named Rookie of the Year. As the second game began, guests finalized auction bids and settled in for a nail-biter between Kentucky and Wisconsin. The last two teams standing at night’s end: 7 and 8 seeds, UConn and Kentucky.

The Morgridge Academy is a unique, day school program for approximately 90 students in grades K-8 who require medical assistance during the normal school day. The school, approved by the Colorado Department of Education, is dedicated to help children who have medical problems that have caused frequent absences from mainstream schools.

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded 115 years ago as a nonprofit hospital, NJH today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. For a resource to stay informed about what is happening at the institution and to learn more about the conditions treated, please visit: NJHealth.org.

: “Coach” Tom Tarver and NJH media rep Amy Hoffman Morris in the stadium’s east lobby with bronco sculptures.

: Mitch Cornwall (left) and jeff Shigeno

: Brandon and Sarah Bergholz (left), with Bill Gregor

: Melinda and Greg Hogemann (left), with Mike Hren

: Ken Doerdelmann and Shasta Kretzer

: Angela and Mark Kirksey (left), with Robert and Sharon Wilton

: Matt Arias (left) and “Coach” Jerry Laflen

: Mark Dean (left) and Doug Hoff

: (l to r): David Rodriquez, Mark Fletcher and Joe Nelson

: (l to r): Maurice Walker, Dex Hopes and Mark Dean

: (l to r): Dave Lottie, Quincy Sanders and Bill Murchie

: Elaine Greiner (left) and Theresa Mazurek

: “Coach” Kris Wintroub, with Mike Mattie (center) and Ken Shanahan

: Kim Uhrig and Ray Drinkwater

: (l to r): John Falzone, Bernie Hockenberry, Rob McDaniel and Steve Kuger

: Brent Greiner with mom Elaine Greiner

: James Bracey (left) and Ronnie DeGray

: (l to r): Zach Wolfel, Luke Volker, Ben Kurtz and Jake Wuest prepare for another hand dealt by poker dealer Robert.

: (l to r): Kristin Buchanan, Eric Kosters and Erin Little

: The MVP trophy awaits this year’s presentation.

: Dinner tables are readied for almost 400 basketball and NJH fans.

: It’s Shasta Kretzer and Ken Doerdelmann (left) vs Angela and Mark Kirksey for foosball supremacy.

: Jennifer Davis (left) and Kristine Mayers

: Yvonne and Scott Christensen

: Sally and John Falzone (left), with Blake Winter

: Brian Hodson (left) and Dustin Ditri

: Erica Garcia and Peter Fox

: Checking out the autographed 2014 Nuggets basketball at the silent auction.

: (l to r): Harley Wilson, Mike Mattie and Travis Seabolt

: (l to r): Brad Staib, AJ Stapleton and Chris O’Reilly

: The Adkins family and cousin Hector

: Mark Ortiz and Lynn Moore

: (l to r): Nick Grimstad, Dustin Ditri, Nic Howell and Brian Hodson

: (l to r): Bruce Osborn, Johnny Brown, Blake Winter, “Coach” Peter Fox, Gavin Chapman and Eric Orstead

: (l to r): Erica Garcia, Peter Fox, George Wortman and Amber Vanden Haut

: (l to r): Bob and Kathy Shafer, Kristine Koblenzer and Robert McCoy

: The silent auction table remained busy throughout the evening.

: Amy and Larry Elarton

: The prime-rib carving stations were popular stops at the buffet tables.

: Catching game action and some chow at the bar (l to r): Elizabeth Coatney, Jill and Jerry Laflen, and Kyle Coatney

: (l to r): Clay Robinson, Jim Licko, Travis Webb and Ramonna Robinson

: Epicurean Catering provided a hearty buffet for Hoops & Hoopla guests.

: Nick Graham and Maria Martin

: Paul and Agnes Martin admire the Denver skyline.

: Dinner and hoops at the East Club Level inside Sports Authority Field at Mile High

: Jim Licko and Ramonna Robinson

: Darron Rolle, with Davin (left) and Miles Rolle

: The evening’s youngest no-gambling-allowed poker participant awaits another card.

: Watching the NJH video brought home the reason for raising funds.

: East Club Level windows capture downtown Denver during dinner.

: The 2014 Coaches Committee gathers after the short program.

: Jim Licko watches the NJH video presentation.

: The NJH video presentation had all eyes on TV screens.

: Board chair Rich Schierburg addresses the crowd of almost 400.

: Greiner Electric reps raised $40,000 for National Jewish Health.

: Greiner Electric, MVP honorees, celebrate.

: Honorees: Heart of a Champion award, Bill Gregor (left); and Rookie of the Year, Ryan Wilson

: (l to r): Alana Berland, Kris Wintroub, Kim Uhrig, Elaine Greiner, and Jill and Jerry Laflen

: Dex Hopes (left) and Mark Dean

: This father-son duo enjoyed the passed ice-cream sandwiches for dessert.

: Rob Edwards and Erin Walsh relax in front of the fire.

: (l to r): Rachel Adkins, Steve Foote, Ray Drinkwater and Rob Adkins

: Chris Rapp (left) and Daniel Rapp

: Patrick Wothe (left) and Nick Kviatkofsky shoot some pool during the first semifinal basketball game.

: (l to r): Brent Greiner, Dave Greiner and “Coach” Ryan Wilson

: Board chair Rich Schierburg and Lisa Tadiri

: (l to r): “Coach” Bill Gregor, Taylor Surroz and Eric Schierburg

24 Sep

2nd Annual Save the Males

Posted: btstaff

Save The Males – an evening gala that seeks to raise awareness about prostate cancer – has grown tremendously in the last few years. The event – with it’s exclusively female attendees – tries to do what the men who are actually susceptible to this insidious disease can’t seem to – with great good humor and no shortage of cocktails, speak frankly and earnestly about a disease and propose concrete steps to help address it.

The 250-attendee event started with a silent auction, which featured dozens of handbags as the main offering – from slouchy to stylish, beaded to bejeweled, vintage to briefcase to evening-wear.

The evening’s main entertainment was Patsy Decline (aka Lannie Garrett), a seasoned veteran of the cabaret circuit, who had the audience in stitches with her bawdy re-imagining on country classics and event-apropos song titles (not a one of them reprintable here).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, by a wide margin. Affecting mostly older men, and likely to be undetected for long periods of time, the stigma of discussing it and the bewildering range of treatment options are among the reasons it has proven so hard for medical experts to tackle.

Keynote speaker Doctor Tom Flaig was able to entertainingly highlight the rather anemic advocacy and awareness efforts of prostate cancer, especially when compared to breast cancer, with it’s very public color (pink), events (Walk for the Cure), and celebrity spokespeople. “Women have walks,” he noted, “Men have crawls.” Men – it was claimed over and over again – need the sisterhood’s help to get organized, raise awareness, and get over the embarrassment and doctor-aversion of men susceptible to prostate cancer.

Through the silent auction and entry fee, organizers hope to raise $150,000 for the University of Colorado’s Prostate Cancer Research Program. And they had a great time doing it.