Beaux Arts Ball 2010

On Saturday, March 20, the annual Beaux Arts Ball, presented by the Morgridge Family Foundation and TeleTech and benefiting National Jewish Health, was blooming with goodwill as guests at the "Midnight in the Garden"-themed event supported the nation's #1 respiratory hospital and pediatric patients with severe food allergies. Contributing sponsor for the event was CH2M Hill.

Four-year-old Jack Littauer told more than 1,100 guests how much he likes coming to National Jewish Health for treatment of severe food allergies from his home in Las Vegas, his parents and sister standing proudly next to him. National Jewish Health is famous around the world for medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. The event raised a record-breaking $2.2 million for the institution, with $600,000 of the total supporting research and patient care surrounding pediatric food allergies.

At the same time, the décor and entertainment were chosen with sensitivity to the current financial climate. By working closely with their vendors to minimize expenses, the event leadership created an unparalleled party experience that was fiscally responsible but stunning in details, right down to the flowers used in the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center atrium and ballroom.

After a program featuring a short video of patients from throughout the country sharing their stories of successful treatment at National Jewish Health, Grand Marshals Christie and Walter Isenberg, Susan and Lee McIntire, and Debra and Ken Tuchman were acknowledged for their generosity, spirit and hard work ensuring the success of the event. Michael Salem, MD, National Jewish Health President and CEO welcomed Diane and Charlie Gallagher on stage to bestow the President's Award upon them for their many years of support for National Jewish Health programs, fundraising campaigns and events.

The modest live auction, featuring a vacation package to Montana's Big Sky, a dinner for 10 by Chef Tyler Wiard of Elway's, and a dinner for 10 at Shanahan's, raised additional funds and got the crowd ready to support children with severe and life-threatening food allergies.