Wonka-Themed Beaux Arts Ball Raises $2.5 Million to Benefit National Jewish Health

The 27th annual Beaux Arts Ball presented by Bonnie and David Mandarich raised $2.5 million to support National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. The March 9, 2024, event was attended by 1,000 guests and honored Cal Fulenwider III, L. Roger Hutson, Elizabeth and Steve Kris, and Jim Reuter as Grand Marshals for their philanthropic leadership and service to the community.

“Our 2024 Grand Marshals are an outstanding group of people who are known for their leadership and service,” said Michael Salem, MD, President and CEO of National Jewish Health. “We are proud to recognize them with the Humanitarian Award for all they do in the community and on behalf of National Jewish Health.”

At this year’s event, Board Chair Evan Zucker presented the Arthur B. Lorber Award for Distinguished Service to board member, philanthropist, and business leader Eddie Robinson. The award recognized Robinson’s nearly six decades of dedication to advancing the reputation, service, scientific achievement and mission of National Jewish Health. He joined the board in 1965, serving as board chair from 1986 to 1989. He was elected a lifetime board member in 2003. With his brother Dick, Robinson led the family-owned Robinson Dairy for more than 40 years of the company’s five-generation history. They are well-known in the Denver community for civic leadership and support to numerous causes, and they were inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2000. 

During the evening’s program, guests heard from the Caldwell family, whose son Kade, 16, experienced painful eczema and debilitating food allergies as a young child that severely affected his health and limited every aspect of his life. After exhausting all other options, the family traveled from Beaumont, Texas, to National Jewish Health seeking answers and hope. Almost immediately, they found relief for Kade, and he has been thriving ever since. The Caldwell family credits their son’s health to the culture of care, advanced research and treatments that have made National Jewish Health the place to go for life-changing care of pediatric eczema, allergies, and asthma — and many other lung, heart, immune and related conditions that affect millions of children and adults worldwide.  

Guests were entertained throughout the evening with “Wonka” inspired music, choreographed performances and décor celebrating 125 years of invention, innovation, and discovery at National Jewish Health.

This was the first year Bonnie and David Mandarich were the Presenting Sponsor, after supporting the event for many years. Elizabeth and Steve Kris were Wonka Sponsors, while Anne and Rich Baer, FirstBank, the Morgridge Family Foundation and Meghan and Evan Zucker were Platinum Sponsors.

See the complete list of sponsors.