More Than $2 Million Raised to Benefit National Jewish Health at Beaux Arts Ball Presented by Morgri

Over $2 million was raised for National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, at the sold-out 2014 Beaux Arts Ball presented by Morgridge Family Foundation on February 22. More than 1,200 people attended the Roaring ’20s “Gatsby” themed black-tie event at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

“We appreciate the tremendous support we have had for this event, particularly from our incredible Grand Marshal couples, who introduced so many new people to the Beaux Arts Ball and National Jewish Health,” said Michael Salem, MD, National Jewish Health president and CEO. “Ultimately, this support translates into improvements in the lives of the thousands of patients we treat every year.”

Dr. Salem and National Jewish Health Board Chair Rich Schierburg honored the 2014 Grand Marshals Kathy and Ted Brown, Robin and Cole Finegan, Tim Gill and Scott Miller, and Debbie and Don Silversmith. With Kathy Brown unable to attend, Mr. Brown was accompanied by their daughter, Andrea.

A Leonardo DiCaprio (as Jay Gatsby) look-alike welcomed guests to the party. The entertainment featured two aerialists who twirled on lengths of silk high above the dining room, which was filled with white feathers, flowers and crystals. Throughout the evening, singers and a full orchestra performed 1920s standards and hit songs for professional dancers. Later, the band Party Crashers set the beat for guests who packed the dance floor.

Among those enjoying the entertainment and live music were 2014 Beaux Arts Ball Co-Chairs Lindsey and Stanton Dodge, Ann and Tripp Kerr, and Bridget and David Kornder. In addition to Presenting Sponsor Morgridge Family Foundation, dozens of individuals and institutions also supported the Beaux Arts Ball, including Platinum Sponsors First Western Trust Bank, The Gill Foundation, Joyce Zeff and family, Noble Energy and Sage Hospitality. Gold Sponsors were Anne and Rich Baer, The Anschutz Foundation, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Rebecca and Lewis Kling, and the David and Laura Merage Foundation.

A special Fund-a-Need reverse auction was held to support the Colorado Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at National Jewish Health.  Gifts totaling more than $500,000 will go to the program, which includes the largest adult cystic fibrosis (CF) clinic in the nation. Program Associate Director Jennifer Taylor-Cousar, MD, explained to the Beaux Arts Ball guests that the life expectancy for those with CF has more than doubled in the last 20 years, yet half of CF patients still have life expectancies of less than 37 years.

“Living to age 37 isn’t good enough – not to me, and certainly not to the people with CF who battle this disease every day. With continued research and focus, we can do better,” Dr. Taylor-Cousar said.

A traditional live auction, also held during the event, raised nearly $70,000. The high bidder for the “Escape to New York” auction package presented by Hyde Park and Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry will enjoy a Gatsby-style experience in New York City and a shopping spree at Hyde Park in Cherry Creek, where Ivanka Trump’s 1920s-inspired jewelry line is featured. Other auction items included a luxurious Mexican beach getaway provided by Inspirato; a visit to Holtzman Vineyard in New Zealand’s wine country presented by Kristin and Marc Holtzman; and a day of shopping and spa treatments courtesy of Neiman Marcus.