‘HOOPS & Hoopla’ Raises More Than $100,000 for Chronically Ill Students at Morgridge Academy on the

More than $100,000 was raised at the 11th annual HOOPS & Hoopla event presented by Greiner Electric on April 5. Proceeds of the event support the Morgridge Academy, a free school for chronically ill children located on the National Jewish Health campus. More than 350 people attended the event at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, which featured a viewing party for college basketball semi-final championship games, arcade games, interactive challenges and a silent auction.

“As a member of the leadership committee for this event, I am proud to help the children who attend Morgridge Academy,” said William Gregor, construction executive at Mortenson Construction and leadership committee member for HOOPS & Hoopla. “When I first visited this school after moving to Denver a few years ago, I was blown away by the positive impact it has on the lives of its chronically ill students. As a parent, I know how important it is to give children the tools they need to succeed. Morgridge Academy gives its students the educational, physical, emotional and medical support they need to blossom.”

In keeping with the competitiveness of the basketball season, committee members, called “Coaches,” received recognition for showing the most commitment to fundraising. The Greiner Electric team, led by Coaches Kris Wintroub and Tom Tarver, received the MVP Trophy for the company’s work to raise more than $40,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales and donations. Also recognized for their efforts and dedication were first-year coaches Ryan Wilson with GE Johnson, who received the Rookie of the Year award, and William Gregor, who received the Heart of a Champion award.

Other members of the leadership committee were Alana Berland, Denver Public Schools; Denise Cito, CED; Peter Fox, Trautman & Shreve; Jerry Laflen, BKD LLP; Fred Lai, Fentress Architects; Jared Lazar, FedEx Corporation; and Ward Mahanke, TST Inc. of Denver.

Greiner Electric sponsored the event for the sixth year in a row. Other sponsors were Stats Sponsor BKD LLP, and Slam Dunk Society of Fellows GE Johnson, Mortenson Construction and TST Inc. of Denver, as well as dozens of other individuals and companies.

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is a unique, free day school for 90 chronically ill students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Its mission is to provide a safe, friendly and healthy school environment where students succeed academically, medically and socially.