National Jewish Health Beaux Arts 'Grand Court Ball' Raises $2 Million

Royal Gala Benefits National Jewish Health and The Cancer Center at National Jewish Health

More than 1,000 guests braved snowy roads March 9 to enjoy a royally luxurious evening and raise $2 million for National Jewish Health, the nation’s number one respiratory hospital, at the 2013 Beaux Arts “Grand Court Ball.” The annual black-tie event was held at the Grand Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center.

“We are grateful to our grand marshals, co-chairs, committees and sponsors for helping make this event a tremendous success,” said Michael Salem, MD, National Jewish Health president and CEO. “We are also grateful to all of our Beaux Arts Ball guests—nearly half of whom attended this event for the first time this year.”

Dr. Salem and National Jewish Health Board Chair Rich Schierburg honored the 2013 Grand Marshals Cathy and Peter Dea, Kristen and Marc Holtzman, and Joyce Zeff. With the Holtzmans unable to make the trip from their home in Hong Kong, their award was accepted by Marc’s parents, Evelyn and Seymour Holtzman, on behalf of Kristen and Marc.

Among those enjoying the magnificent entertainment and live music were co-chairs for the 2013 Beaux Arts Ball Carrie and John Morgridge, and Debra and Ken Tuchman. Other co-chairs were Trish and Ralph Nagel, and Leigh Anne and Sam Winegrad. The Grand Ball Sponsor was the Morgridge Family Foundation and Presenting Sponsor was Joyce Zeff and Family.

The ballroom stage was framed by the room’s deep red fabrics and fragrant red roses. Opulent gold and silver and sparkling crystals from large and small chandeliers hung from the ceiling and shimmered on tables. After enjoying a reception with cocktails courtesy of Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of Colorado, guests were called into the ballroom, where a king and queen convened the royal party. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, a brief program, and dancing and live music that lasted past midnight.

“Once again, the people of Denver and beyond showed their commitment to National Jewish Health by coming out to raise funds vital to our mission of cutting-edge research, compassionate patient care and outstanding education,” Dr. Salem said. “We were delighted by the generosity of attendees in the ballroom who donated more than half a million dollars during the evening.”
 

Funding a Cure for Lung Cancer
Guests took advantage of the opportunity to make direct donations to The Cancer Center at National Jewish Health during the Fund-a-Need reverse auction. Gifts totaling more than $460,000 will go to the program, which focuses on early detection and treatment.

Cancer Center Director Jeffrey Kern, MD, explained to the Beaux Arts Ball guests that with early diagnosis, lung cancer is curable; however, currently more than half of lung cancer patients die within a year of their diagnosis because it comes too late.

Lung cancer patient Bonnie Mandarich described her devastating fear and then her immense relief at being diagnosed and successfully treated for stage 1 cancer at National Jewish Health. Mandarich and her husband, David, have supported National Jewish Health for 15 years.
 

Bidding on Live Auction Adventures
Winners of three live auction packages will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime adventures. The auction raised nearly $75,000.

The “Wine, Love and Adventure in New Zealand” package, donated by Kristen and Marc Holtzman, features a 10-day adventure at the Holtzman Vineyard in New Zealand.

The “Get Away Like Bond—James Bond” package, donated by Quintess Collection and Sill-TerHar Motors, includes use of a luxury car, such as Lamborghini, Maserati or Aston Martin (Bond’s favorite); four days at a multi-million dollar resort home in Aspen, Vail or Telluride; and two dinners for four at renowned mountain restaurants.

Finally, Hyde Park’s “Jewels of the Desert” features a weekend trip to Arizona with a shopping spree at Hyde Park Jewelers in Phoenix, tickets to a 2014 Colorado Rockies spring training game, and a stay and round of golf at the luxury resort The Phoenician.

National Jewish Health is known worldwide for treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders, and for groundbreaking medical research. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health remains the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to these disorders. Since 1998, U.S. News & World Report has ranked National Jewish Health the number one respiratory hospital in the nation. For information about National Jewish Health, visit the website at NJHealth.org.