More than $2.3 Million Raised at Beaux Arts Ball to Benefit National Jewish Health

On February 23, 2019, more than 1,100 people gathered at the 22^nd Annual Beaux Arts Ball to raise $2.3 million for National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. This year, the Beaux Arts Ball honored Grand Marshals Faye and Steve Demby, Kathleen and William J. Hybl, Wendy and Jimmy Miller, and Kate Paul and Michael Passmore for their unwavering support of National Jewish Health. The event, considered one of Denver’s premiere fundraising events, was presented by the Morgridge Family Foundation.

Following a theme of “The World’s Greatest Showman,” the ballroom was transformed into a Big Top. As guests entered the room, they were greeted and entertained by acrobats rolling inside giant hoops, balancing acts, people on stilts, aerialists flying about the room and a fanfare of music and costumes. The entertaining theme led to serious business as the paddle-raising “fund-a-need” portion of the evening raised a record breaking $760,000 for research and care of life threatening allergies.

During the evening’s program, guests learned about the challenges facing children and adults with severe and unique allergies through the personal story told by Wyatt a 12-year-old from Helena, Montana, whose mother joined him to tell the hushed crowd about his struggle to breathe. Only at National Jewish Health was the cause of his illness finally identified and a plan put in place to help him.

Several other stories of life transforming treatment at National Jewish Health also were featured through video. See video

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.

National Jewish Health President and CEO Michael Salem, MD, served as host for the evening and thanked those who attended. “We are so pleased to have so many amazing individuals and organizations that support us every year. Your help makes a difference for patients like Wyatt and helps fund the advancement of treatments through research,” he said.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor Morgridge Family Foundation, Iris & Michael Smith were the “Greatest Showman” sponsor. Platinum sponsors were Arrow Electronics, Karen and Michael Long; The Baer Family; Hyde Park Jewelers; and, Shereen and Michael Pollak. The Beaux Arts Ball also featured a live auction package all-inclusive trip to Japan sponsored by Hyde Park Jewelers and Grand Seiko.