Studio 5280 Rooftop Party Raises More Than $100,000 for National Jewish Health Morgridge Academy School for Chronically Ill Children

On July 28, 300 dynamic business and social leaders in the Mile High city got their groove on at Studio 5280, a benefit inspired by the iconic Studio 54 nightclub. The late-night event had all the glitz and glam of the 1970s disco era with a backdrop of Denver’s skyline from the rooftop of DaVita World Headquarters. Chaired by Ross Chotin, Daniel Feiner and Brian Parks, and presented by Integrated Properties and Schomp BMW, the event raised more than $100,000 to support Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health.
 

Morgridge Academy is a free school for K-8 students living with diseases such as severe asthma and allergies, atopic dermatitis, cystic fibrosis and HIV/AIDS. Uncontrolled, these conditions can interfere with the normal school day, causing students to fall behind their peers.

Parks, who is a National Jewish Health board member and former Morgridge Academy student, described the school as a place where students learn to manage their illnesses; succeed academically, medically and socially; and then return to a traditional school environment.

“As a child, my asthma was out of control. This special school helped me learn how to recognize triggers and warning signs to avoid exacerbations,” Parks said. “Morgridge Academy helps kids with serious illnesses lose the “sickly” label, and simply enjoy being a kid.”

The event’s retro vibe was spun throughout the night as digital video disc jockey G-Funk mashed up old-school videos with current musical hits. Guests enjoyed decadent desserts from Denver’s top restaurants and drinks from award-winning mixologists. Providing entertainment, parting gifts and an additional way to support the school, party-goers made a donation for the opportunity to pick a box that contained a surprise piece of Kendra Scott jewelry, a gift card to a local restaurant or something to stock their bar.

As a special thank you for supporting their education, the students of Morgridge Academy sent a video to those attending Studio 5280.