Aspen Bella Sera Event Raises More Than $420,000 for National Jewish Health

The Aspen community turned out in great numbers to the Belly Up restaurant on Aug. 6, 2019, for the annual Bella Sera event to benefit National Jewish Health. Hosted by presenting sponsors Nancy and Richard Rogers, the event raised more than $420,000 to support National Jewish Health. Founded 120 years ago as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health 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.

National Jewish Health Council of Trustees Member Madeleine Larson welcomed donors to the event and Council of Trustees Member Sheldon Friedstein presented Gail and Lenny Weinglass the National Jewish Health Humanitarian Award, recognizing their significant civic and charitable contributions.

Rich Baer, chairman of the National Jewish Health board of directors, was the keynote speaker. He announced the news that National Jewish Health was once again named the number one hospital for pulmonary and lung surgery by US News and World Report. This is the 18^th time National Jewish Health has been number one.

Honorees Gail and Lenny Weinglass thanked everyone for their support. Lenny Weinglass, a long time donor and supporter extended a personal thank you to National Jewish Health for saving his life not once, but twice over the years. He was very touched to have his family in attendance and expressed his gratitude to National Jewish Health for making the evening possible.

Premier Sponsors for the event were honorees Gail and Lenny Weinglass. Platinum Sponsors were Anne and Rich Baer, Denise and Warren Cohen, Patricia and Patrick Harrison, and Iris and Michael Smith.

Following the program The Fab Faux, a Beatles cover band, entertained the guests and despite an encore, left the crowd wanting more.