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PREMIERE EVENTS
The Children's Hospital's biggest fundraising evening of the year raised more than $2.6 million. The Gala's theme, Rooted In Tradition, had special significance to the supporters of the event who celebrated the hospital's 100-year anniversary. With more than 1,600 in attendance, the sell-out event took place on Sat., Nov. 1, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Colorado Convention Center. The Gala 2008 core leadership included gala chairs Kristin and Blair Richardson, dinner chairs Janie and Rick Stoddard, auction co-chairs Kirsten Hamling and Mary Smith and corporate chairs Kate and Adam Agron, Leslie Stanford and Don Bailey, Eric and Marci Holt, Kelly and Michael Kennedy, and Shereen and Michael Pollak. Premiere sponsors of the gala were The Gates Wallach Family, Joy S. Johnson and her family, Kristin and Blair Richardson, American Airlines, Inc., Comcast, Crothall Services Group, The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, The Gallagher Family, Hyde Park Jewelers, Kuni Lexus, MDC / Richmond American Homes Foundation, Virginia and Scott Reiman, Sage Hospitality, Walter and Christie Isenberg, Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, Bessemer Trust and The Eric Holt Family, and Leslie Stanford; Herbalife Independent Distributor. CBS4 anchors Molly Hughes and Jodi Brooks presided over the evening as Mistresses of Ceremonies. The program began with an entertaining animated welcome video of Jim Shmerling, President and CEO of The Children's Hospital, and Steve Winesett, President and CEO of The Children's Hospital Foundation. Following dinner, Colorado Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle joined the stars of the Gala, the 2008 Ambassadors - Eliseo Banuelos, Emily Bartlett, Shania Crumrine, Tiana Isaac, Kelly O'Leary, and Austin Peterman. Hurdle talked about the importance of the hospital and proposed a toast to celebrate the hospital in appreciation of the great care children have received, as well as to celebrate The Children's Hospital's 100th anniversary. The Ambassadors then helped Hurdle to blowout 100 candles on a birthday cake. Before the bidding in the live auction, Ambassador Liam Orlando joined gala chairs Kristin and Blair Richardson on stage while they spoke about the special "birthday" appeal and paddle raise to generate additional funds on this milestone occasion. "We've seen how Children's has impacted lives across multiple generations, now it's time for you to invest in the well-being of children for many generations to come," said the Richardsons. The couple then introduced the chairs for Gala 2009, Darci and Jack Overstreet. There were five exceptional items up for bid in the live auction. They included a 2009 Lexus ES 350 presented by Kuni Lexus and a 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna™ Street Bob™. Unique travel experiences ranged from a Kentucky Derby Day to Costa Rica to Hollywood. The Derby Day included a private jet and private table for six equine enthusiasts in an exclusive area right at the finish line at the Kentucky Derby. Neiman Marcus provided the winning couple with a $2,000 Neiman Marcus Derby wardrobe along with sunglasses, engraved Derby mint julip cups and derby hats. The Costa Rica trip featured the opportunity to indulge in a seven-night stay. This package, provided by Exclusive Resorts, was a chance to imagine the best of everything while on vacation: the spacious comforts of a multi-million dollar private residence, along with the services and amenities of a luxury resort. The fifth live auction item provided a once-in-a-lifetime Hollywood experience for two to attend Elton John's Oscar Night Gala, presented by Hyde Park Jewelers. The winning couple received two first-class tickets provided by American Airlines, a two-night stay at the posh Four Seasons Regent Beverly Wilshire, private transportation to Elton John's star-studded viewing party on Oscar night, and Chopard adorned the lucky winners. Two watches from the Chopard timepiece collection were also included. The live auction was topped off by a special appeal, the Hyde Park Jewelers "Raise the Paddle". The generous crowd made outright gifts to The Children's Hospital in honor of their century of care. As the program came to a close, the emcees introduced the evening's much anticipated entertainment - blues-rock sensation Steve Miller Band. With songs such as Take the Money and Run, Rockin' Me, Jet Airliner, The Joker, Fly Like An Eagle, Space Cowboy and Abracadabra to his credit, blues/rock singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Miller is one of cornerstones of classic rock. The Steve Miller Band has provided enthusiasm and positive messages for 40 years ever since its debut album, "Children of the Future" was released in 1968. Founded in 1908, The Children's Hospital is a private, not-for-profit pediatric health-care network dedicated 100 percent to caring for kids. It has been ranked one of the best children's hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report and Child Magazine. With more than 600 experienced experts representing pediatric specialties, and more than 2,900 full-time employees, Children's is home to a number of nationally and internationally recognized medical programs. From medical breakthroughs to late-night fevers, Children's provides complete pediatric care at its main campus and through a network that includes eleven Children's Care Centers and more than 400 outreach clinics held in three states each year. For more information, visit the web site at www.thechildrenshospital.org. |
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