Two fundraising galas held at the same time on the same night at opposite ends of Denver were record-breaking fundraisers. One celebrated freedom, the other education.
National Jewish Health’s 2012 Beaux Arts Ball: A Salute to the Stars and Stripes lit up Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum with Big Band music and a red, white and blue color sceme. The 1,200 guests, some of whom dressed in military uniforms and vintage gowns, helped raise $2 million for NJH’s internationally acclaimed focus on respiratory, cardiac and immune diseases.
The Latin American Educational Foundation Gala, El Toro, was a testament to opportunity and achievement, a salute to folks like retired District Court Judge Roger Cisneros, someone who has overcome the odds to blaze new trails for others to follow. And to those who are determined to make it, such as Sonia Gutierrez, a junior majoring in broadcast journalism at Metropolitan State College of Denver. She was recognized as the Lola A. Salazar Student of the Year; Cisneros, who also served three terms in the state senate, accepted the Sol Trujillo National Lifetime Leadership Award.
The 830 who gathered at the Sheraton Denver Downtown added $434,000 to LAEF’s scholarship fund, according to event chair Mona Shapiro.
Gov. John Hickenlooper put in an appearance at both events; he and Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia were honorary chairmen of the LAEF Gala, along with their wives, Helen Thorpe and Claire Garcia.
U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet also attended the LAEF Gala; so, too, did state Rep. Crisanta Duran; Manager of Safety Alex Martinez and City Councilman Paul Lopez.
Wells Fargo Bank senior vice president Pat Cortez, chair of the LAEF board, and executive director Jim Chavez welcomed such other supporters as Mari and Rene Morin; Metro State president Stephen Jordan and his wife, Ruth; Linda and Robert Alvarado; Percy Trujillo; former Bronco and live auctioneer Reggie Rivers; and CBS4’s Michelle Griego, who was mistress of ceremonies.
A tradition at the Beaux Arts Ball is to have several prominent couples serve as Grand Marshals. Javier and Colleen Baz, Lanny and Sharon Martin and Hassan and Sheila Salem had the honor this year. Javier Baz is a private investor and Colleen is a professional photographer. Lanny Martin is founder and managing director of Platte River Ventures; Sharon is a trustee of her alma mater, Denison University in Ohio, and St. Elizabeth’s School in Denver. Hassan Salem is president of US Bank — Colorado and Sheila is a Girl Scout leader who is active in Lone Tree Elementary School activities.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, recipient of NJH’s highest honor, the Lorber Award, was ill with bronchitis and under doctor’s orders to remain in Washington, D.C.
As guests entered the former Air Force hangar that is now home to a world-class collection of vintage aircraft and space vehicles, they were greeted by Sinatra songs playing on the sound system and bars serving such back-in-the-day libations as whiskey sours and Manhattans. Living statues, portraying everything from vintage military to Captain America, added to the ambience.
Rich Schierburg, chair of the NJH board, and Tom Gart, who preceded him, helped hospital president Michael Salem greet such benefactors as John and Carrie Morgridge, whose Morgridge Family Foundation was the presenting sponsor; platinum sponsor Joyce Zeff; gold sponsors Rebecca and Lewis Kling; David and Charlene Engleberg; Norm and Sunny Brownstein; Blair and Kristin Richardson; Bill and Bei-Lee Gold; Walter and Christie Isenberg; Andrew Romanoff; Leanna Clark; Eddie and Susan Robinson; Dick and Marcia Robinson; Kevin and Ann Reidy; Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld; state Sen. Joyce Foster and Rabbi Steven Foster; City Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman; Sandy Tennenbaum; Carol and Dr. Rick Abrams; and former NJH presidents Lynn Taussig and Michael Schonbrun.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and @GetItWrite on Twitter
