Colorado Neurological Institute celebrates its first 25 years
Colorado Neurological Institute has soared to great heights since its founding 25 years ago by a group of SwedishMedical Center neuroscientists headed by Dr. Gary VanderArk.
And maybe that’s why organizers choseWings Over the Rockies Air & SpaceMuseum as the setting for the institute’s Silver Anniversary gala. This museum on what was once Lowry Air Force Base is home to an extensive collection of other things that have soared: vintage warplanes; a 1939 civilian aircraft, the J-3-65 Piper Cub; and an actual interstage skirt from a Titan IV rocket.
The 275 guests were encouraged to dress in outfits tied to the “Come Fly with CNI” theme, and there were plenty of military uniforms, fringed dresses, flight jackets, sensible shoes and hats with veils.
Florence and Dr. Peter Ricci were the honorary chairs and Amelia Earhart from 9News, a real-life aviator and a member of the museum’s board of director, was mistress of ceremonies.
The VIP crowd included Secretary of State Scott Gessler; Denver City Audi
tor Dennis Gallagher; mayors Ron Rakowski (Green
wood Village), Doug Tisdale (Cherry Hills Village) and Mike Dunafon (Glendale); the president of the CNI board, Robin Fort, and such doctors as David Kelsall, Tammie Hand, Rajeev Kumar and Jay Schneiders. Former state Rep. Cindy
Acree, who attributes her current good health to care received at the institute, also was among the celebrants. Acree suffered a stroke at age 34 that was triggered by surgery to correct the epilepsy she had been diagnosed at age 21.
Before sitting down to a surf-and-turf dinner from Biscuits & Berries, folks like Linda and Dr. Richard Kelley; LaFawn Biddle; Leslie and Bill Vollbracht; Ginny and John Freyer; Craig Fleishman and Sandi Hewins; Michael Ditchfield; Sherrye Berger; Alex and Irene Zimmer; Sandy Vinnik and Chris
and Dr. Ron Yaros perused the silent auction and enjoyed music by theMetropolitan Jazz Orchestra.
Others helping the institute launch its next quarter-centurywere MissColorado
Meg Kardos; Arlene and Don Johnson; Edie and
Mort Marks; Wendy and SteveWeil; Ellen Belle, director of CNI’s neurohealth center; andTami Lack, CNI’s executive director.