Hoops & Hoopla Raises $144,000 for National Jewish Health

Funds to support Morgridge Academy, school for Children with Chronic illnesses

On April 2, 2022, supporters of National Jewish Health joined together to raise more than $144,000 for the Morgridge Academy, a K-8 school for children with chronic illnesses located on the campus of National Jewish Health. The event was held at Empower Field at Mile High.  Morgridge Academy, the only school of its kind in the country, is a tuition-free school for students in kindergarten through eighth grades, who have a chronic illness. Students learn to manage their diseases while succeeding academically.
 

The fan’s night out event, presented by Greiner Electric, is held annually in conjunction with the men’s college basketball semifinal games. The evening program, positioned between the two final four NCAA games, was emceed by Ryan Harris, Super Bowl champion, author and radio host, who served as Master of Ceremonies throughout the event. 

“Morgridge Academy is much more than a school. It represents an educational model which allows students to heal, grow, develop, and learn at their maximum ability,” said Jen McCullough, director of education with Morgridge Academy.

Former Denver Nugget Walter Davis joined guests to watch the semifinal match-ups on more than 70 screens at the venue. When people weren’t glued to the best of college basketball, they enjoyed a gourmet buffet, and participated in a silent auction, casino games, corn hole and arcade games.

Key sponsors included Greiner Electric, BKD, Mortenson Construction, BWAB Oil and Gas, Graybar Electric Supply and Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED). Over 300 people attended the event and over 70 different companies contributed to the event’s success.     

Kris Wintroub and Tom Tarver, participated as volunteer coaches of Team Greiner Electric, and were named MVPs for exceeding their previous fundraising record with just under $88,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales and donations for the event. Greiner Electric has been the presenting sponsor since 2007.

The entire Hoops and Hoopla volunteer coaching lineup included Craig Gallogly, QED; Bill Gregor, Mortenson Construction Company; Jeff Lindsay, Mortenson Construction Company; Gunnar Jacobs, Monigle; Richard Kalisek, Swimlane; Jerry Laflen, BKD; Tom Tarver, Greiner Electric; and Kris Wintroub, Greiner Electric.

Other main event sponsors were MVP Sponsor, BKD, LLC; Game Day Sponsor, Mortenson Construction; Concessions Sponsor, BWAB Oil & Gas; Sports Bar Sponsors Graybar Electric & Consolidated Electrical Distributors; Slam Dunk Sponsors True North Companies & U.S. Engineering.