Virtual Hoops and Hoopla Event Raises Money for Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health

On April 2, supporters and friends tuned in for the National Jewish Health 2021 Hoops and Hoopla Virtual Tipoff & Trivia event presented by Greiner Electric. The event raised nearly $110,000 for Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health. Morgridge Academy is a free school for chronically ill children in kindergarten through eighth grade located on the campus of National Jewish Health. The Hoops and Hoopla virtual event was held on the eve of the NCAA Men’s college basketball semifinal games.
  

“School is a big part of growing up, and you don’t want to miss out,” said Kris Wintroub, National Jewish Health Development Board Member and CFO at Greiner Electric. “If you are ill, being part of a classroom or going to school can be a challenge. At Morgridge Academy, kids get to be kids without worrying about their medical situations. Thanks to National Jewish Health and Morgridge Academy for creating a unique learning environment.”

Morgridge Academy, operated by National Jewish Health, serves children living in metro Denver who have been diagnosed with a range of chronic health conditions that include severe asthma and allergies, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, atopic dermatitis (eczema), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis and muscular disorders. With a dedicated team of teachers, nurses, a child advocate and a school counselor, the students receive a quality education while learning to manage their illnesses.

“We are incredibly grateful for our event ‘coaches’ who year-after-year dedicate their time and energy making this event a huge success,” said Jennifer McCullough, Director of Education at Morgridge Academy. “The money raised at this event is so important in allowing us to provide a safe learning environment for our students.”

The virtual program, hosted by former Denver Bronco and Altitude Sports radio host Ryan Harris, welcomed viewers from across Colorado and around the country. All who logged on were moved by the important program that featured messages from students and teachers, tributes from sponsors, and an annual video, "Rising to the Challenge," which highlights the tireless efforts to defeat COVID-19 made at National Jewish Health this past year.

“In the nearly 20 years sponsoring Hoops and Hoopla, we have worked with our industry partners, colleagues and friends to increase our reach and fundraising ability for National Jewish, and more specifically, for Morgridge Academy,” said Wintroub.

“Coaches,” or members of the Hoops and Hoopla committee, lead the fundraising efforts. This year’s Hoops and Hoopla event “Coaches” were Craig Gallogly, CED; Bill Gregor, Mortenson Construction; Gunnar Jacobs, Monigle; Richard Kalisek, Coalfire; Jerry Laflen, BKD, LLP; Crystal Peden, The CPI Group; Gabrielle and Jake Shirek; Andrea Stadig, Mortenson Construction; Tom Tarver, Greiner Electric; and Kris Wintroub, Greiner Electric. The Presenting Sponsor for Hoops and Hoopla was Greiner Electric, Trivia Sponsor, Mortenson Construction; MVP Sponsor, BKD, LLP; and the Slam Dunk Sponsors were The Lighting Agency, U.S. Engineering, and Workplace Resources.

Guests also enjoyed participating in a lively trivia game hosted by trivia master Gregg Farber, with special celebrity appearances by Marcelo Balboa, Bill Hanzlik, Vic Lombardi, Reggie Rivers, Adam Schefter and Walter Davis. Team Top of Key-Sight was victorious as the first place winner, with Team Washington Generals in second place and Team MVP in third place.

The event concluded with a moving performance for the students of Morgridge Academy from ABC's "Nashville" TV star, Clare Bowen.