DENVER HEALTH FOUNDATION

Denver

News: When word got out that the Denver Health Foundation’s annual fundraising gala would have a new look this year, some wondered aloud if that was a good idea.

The phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” became frequently used as supporters recalled the excitement generated at galas past by headliners such as Garth Brooks, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers, Train and Flo Rida.

Was “revamping” going to be another word for downscaling and cutting back?

The answer turned out to be “No!”

While the gala’s name has evolved from NightShine to this year’s Thriving Denver: The Denver Health Foundation Gala, none of the luster from previous years was lost.

In fact, it’s safe to say that:

? The number of luminaries who gathered at the Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center on April 6 was record-breaking.

? The pre-dinner reception was even more deluxe than in years past with the musical stylings of Kayla Marque, the Aztec Dance Troupe’s meaningful Journey Through Our Heritage performance and seven varieties of Colorado-centric hors d’oeuvres for the 1,400 guests to enjoy;

? The Hyatt chefs prepared a braised short rib dinner that was outstanding, and

? Denver’s own Dianne Reeves put on a show that proved why the five-time Grammy winner is considered the world’s pre-eminent jazz vocalist.

Donna Lynne, Denver Health’s chief executive officer, thanked attendees for being among those who’ve “Placed their trust in Denver Health. Denver Health is truly the heart of our community and has been since before Colorado became a state, providing high-quality, equitable care to those who need it.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston hailed Denver Health for being a safety-net hospital with “Incredible practitioners who could work anywhere but choose Denver Health.”

Johnston, along with predecessors Michael Hancock, John Hickenlooper, Federico Pena, Guillermo “Bill” Vidal and Wellington Webb, were there to be honored as the 2024 Denver Health Champions.

Dr. Nancy Gary received the Wellington E. Webb Award for Excellence in Health Care Philanthropy, and Kaiser Permanente received the Foundation of Denver Health Award.

Dignitaries in attendance also included U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet; Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas; Denver City Council members Diana Romero Campbell, Flor Alvidrez, Paul Kashmann and Darrell Watson; former city councilman Albus Brooks; Alan Salazar, former chief of staff to then-Mayor Michael Hancock who is now CEO of Denver Water; Rose Community Foundation CEO Lindy Eichenbaum Lent; Janice Sinden, CEO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts; Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado; artist Darrell Anderson; Benilda Samuels, executive director of the AYA Foundation; Christine Benero, president/CEO of Mile High United Way; former Denver Health Foundation CEO Paula Herzmark and the current leader, Crystal Potter Rivera; William Browning, president/CEO of Clayton Early Learning; Michelle Sie Whitten, president/CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation; Josh Hanfling, chairman of the Denver Health Foundation board, and Gala Team founder Reggie Rivers, who called the live auction and paddle raise, the latter bringing in about $500,000.

About the organization: The Denver Health Foundation supports Denver Health’s commitment to providing exceptional health care for all, regardless of their ability to pay. Through fundraising and with help from community partners, the foundation enhances patient care, funds innovative medical research and invests in the training of future health care professionals.

Website: denverhealthfoundation.org

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