The Beaux Arts Bollywood Ball Breaks Fundraising Record

Black-Tie Gala Raises $2.4 Million for National Jewish Health, the Leading Respiratory Hospital in the Nation

More than 1,200 people raised $2.4 million for National Jewish Health on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at the Beaux Arts Bollywood Ball presented by Morgridge Family Foundation. The event honored Grand Marshals Michelle and Mike Fries, Gail and Jack Klapper, Karen and Michael Long, and Susan Juroe and Michael Schonbrun. 
 

These four couples are some of Denver’s most prominent business leaders and are now part of the prestigious group of Beaux Arts Ball grand marshals, honored for their business, community and philanthropic leadership.

The Beaux Arts Ball is the hospital’s largest fundraising event. Michael Salem, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish Health, spoke about the mission of the Denver-based hospital, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #1 in the nation for respiratory care.“At National Jewish Health, we have thought long and deeply about breathing because we all take breathing for granted until we can’t,” he said. “We are passionately dedicated to making a difference in respiratory and related diseases in Colorado, the United States and around the world. We breathe science so you can breathe life.”

A portion of the evening was dedicated to raising money specifically to support care and research for children with lung disease. Encouraged by auctioneer Reggie Rivers and a $100,000, attendees raised a record-shattering $750,000 to help children breathe. “We take care of every child no matter their ability to pay – we always have, and with the help of donors, we always will,” said Pamela Zeitlin, MD, MPhil, PhD, chair of the National Jewish Health Silverstein Family Department of Pediatrics.

The department draws children and families from all over the world. There, they receive care from world-renowned pediatric specialists who are setting the guidelines in respiratory medicine.

The Beaux Arts Ball, known for superb entertainment and beautiful décor, is always one of the most anticipated social galas in Denver. A new and elaborate theme each year dazzles attendees. This year’s event was inspired by the world-famous Bollywood film industry. It was a celebration of the beautiful colors, textures, music and dance that are woven throughout the art and culture of India.

The evening’s Bollywood-style performances were produced by Imprint Group DMC, who recently received the international Special Event Award for Best Theatrical Entertainment for the 2017 Hamilton-inspired Beaux Arts Freedom Ball. A local group of dancers from Bella Diva Dance in Aurora joined the nationally acclaimed group for the final number.

Colorado Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Reps. Mike Coffman and Ed Perlmutter were in attendance.

Event Leadership and Sponsors

The 2018 Beaux Arts Ball Co-Chairs were Karen and John Ikard, Wendy and Jimmy Miller, and Suzanne and Lee White.

Major sponsors in addition to the Morgridge Family Foundation included Bollywood Sponsors Sage Hospitality and Christie and Walter Isenberg; Jewel in the Crown Sponsors Iris and Michael Smith; Visionary Sponsor Katherine Gold; Jewel of India Sponsors Liberty Global and the Fries Foundation, and Arrow Electronics and Karen and Mike Long, and Platinum Sponsors Anne and Rich Baer and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation.

See a full list of event leadership.

For information about the 2019 Beaux Arts Ball, visit coloradobeauxartsball.com, fb.com/njhevents or contact Clem Connolly at 303.728.6546 or ConnollyC@njhealth.org.