Annual Hoops & Hoopla Raises More than $163,000 for National Jewish Health

Funds support Morgridge Academy, a school for children with chronic illnesses

On April 6, 2024, supporters of National Jewish Health raised more than $163,000 for the Morgridge Academy, a K-8 school for children with chronic illnesses located on the campus of National Jewish Health. The annual Hoops and Hoopla event was held at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Morgridge Academy, the only school of its kind in the country, is a tuition-free school for students in kindergarten through eighth grades, who have a chronic illness. Students learn to manage their diseases while succeeding academically.

From left to right: Hoops and Hoopla coaches Tom Tarver, Kris Wintroub, Gavin Ekstrom, Kaia Noonan and Jerry Laflen are pictured with the event’s celebrity emcee Ryan Harris (center).

“For these kids, Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health has been a game changer,” said Jennifer McCullough, MA, MSEd, director of education at Morgridge Academy. “This level of care just would not be possible in a traditional setting, and it makes all the difference in helping our students stay in school consistently.” 

The fan’s night out event, presented by Greiner Electric, is held annually in conjunction with the men’s college basketball semifinal games. The evening program, positioned between the two games, was emceed by Ryan Harris, former NFL offensive tackle, Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos and radio host.

Guests at the event watched the semifinal match-ups on more than 70 screens at the venue. While fixed on the best of college basketball, guests enjoyed a gourmet buffet and participated in a silent auction, arcade and casino games, and sports simulators. More than 300 people attended the event, and more than 40 companies contributed to its success.    

Kris Wintroub and Tom Tarver participated as volunteer coaches of Team Greiner Electric, and were named MVPs for raising $100,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales and donations for the event. Greiner Electric has been the presenting sponsor since 2007. 

The entire Hoops and Hoopla volunteer coaching lineup included Gavin Ekstrom, CrossCountry Mortgage; Jerry Laflen, FORVIS; Andrew Langston, Roof & Solar Brokers Group; Jeff Lindsay, Mortenson Construction Company; Kaia Noonan, Mortenson Construction Company; Tom Tarver, Greiner Electric; Sabra Taylor, Colorado Auto Glass; and Kris Wintroub, Greiner Electric.

Key sponsors in addition to Greiner Electric were MVP Sponsors FORVIS; Game Day Sponsor The Rexel Foundation; Sports Bar Sponsors Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Graybar and the Lighting Agency; Centerpiece Sponsor Team Gavin, Cross Country Mortgage; and Slam Dunk Sponsors, Mortenson Construction, and Toni & David Roitman.

See the full list of sponsors.