Hoops & Hoopla Raises More Than $140,000 for National Jewish Health


DENVER - On April 5, 2025, supporters of National Jewish Health joined together at Hoops & Hoopla to raise more than $140,000 for the Morgridge Academy, a K-8 school for children with chronic illnesses located on the campus of National Jewish Health. The event was held at Empower Field at Mile High. Morgridge Academy, the only school of its kind in the country, is a tuition-free school for students who have a chronic illness. Students learn to manage their diseases while succeeding academically.

More than 200 guests attended the fan’s night out event, presented by Greiner Electric, held annually in conjunction with the men’s college basketball semifinal games. The evening program, positioned between the two basketball games, was emceed by Ryan Harris, former NFL offensive tackle, Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos, and radio host.

“We have an extraordinary group of students at Morgridge Academy,” said Jennifer McCullough, MA, MSEd, director of education at the school. “They are bright and eager to learn, regardless of the health challenges they face. We appreciate everyone who supports them and makes opportunities possible.” 

In addition to Greiner Electric, other key sponsors included: MVP Sponsor, FORVIS Mazars; Game Day Sponsor, The Rexel Foundation; Sports Bar Sponsor, Graybar; Centerpiece Sponsor, The Lighting Agency; and Slam Dunk Sponsors, CED, QED, RMI and Siemens.

See the full list of sponsors.

The Hoops and Hoopla volunteer coaching lineup included: Robert Adkins, National Jewish Health; Andy Hayes, Visual Interest; Jonathan Hillman, FORVIS Mazars; Jerry Laflen, Greiner Electric;
Jeff Lindsay, Mortenson Construction; Melissa McGarvin-O'Melia; Kaia Noonan, Mortenson Construction; Jordan Smith and Sabra Taylor-Smith, Colorado Auto Glass; Tom Tarver and Kris Wintroub, Greiner Electric; and Ali Valencia, Graybar.

Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Health is a unique, free day school for chronically ill students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Its mission is to provide a safe, friendly and healthy school environment where students succeed academically, medically and socially.
 

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page.


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