2021 Virtual PUSH Gala

Craig Hospital’s 2021 PUSH Gala, held virtually on June 26, raised a record-setting $3.3 million for Craig programs, patients, and spinal cord and brain injury research.

The 20th-anniversary event was recorded live in Craig’s PEAK Center. 9News anchor Kim Christiansen hosted the program that included features on Culture of Care programs, Research, and Patient Assistance recipient Meredith Berkowitz. The program also included appearances by several graduates, Craig CEO Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, Foundation President Serena Bruzgo, and PUSH Chair and Presenting Sponsor Peter Kudla.

Throughout the event, two generous donors challenged viewers to give by matching donations.

Jeff and Sharon Richardson matched $500,000 in honor of their son Bryan, who was a patient at Craig. Jim and Bet Schuler matched $250,000 to provide a van for patient transport, therapeutic recreation equipment, and patient scholarships. During the evening’s broadcast, the Schulers also gave an additional $500,000. Peter Kudla donated the balance to bring the Schuler/Kudla gifts to $1 million.

The PUSH silent auction, featuring more than 140 items ranging from trips to jewelry to artwork created by Craig graduates, raised $159,136.

Craig inpatients and staff were able to join in the fun. Thanks to Patient and Staff Experience Sponsor Burg Simpson, all Craig patients received a PUSH Celebration box featuring Craig goodies. Evening staff, patients, and caregivers were also treated to a special PUSH dinner, and the program streamed on inpatient room TVs.

Proceeds from PUSH support patient assistance needs, cutting-edge equipment, and programs like our free Nurse Advice Line and our Therapeutic Recreation program.

Additionally, funds raised through PUSH are used to support the Craig Research Department in conducting high-quality research that further promotes optimal health, independence, and life quality for individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries.

The 2022 PUSH Gala is tentatively scheduled for April and will honor two Craig graduates: Austin Brotman with the Spirit of Craig award and world-record bike racer Lauren DeCrescenzo with the Impact Award.

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the PUSH Gala

Art Seiden was inspired to start the PUSH dinner by his late wife, Julie. She was paralyzed in 1996 following a horse jumping accident and spent 120 days at Craig.

In 2001, Art Seiden approached then-CEO Denny O’Malley about starting a fundraiser for research. The first “Push for the Cure” dinner supported the Craig Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Over the years, the event’s focus has expanded to meet other needs of the hospital and patients, while maintaining a focus on SCI and BI research.

2021 PUSH Chair | Peter Kudla

Peter Kudla is recognized as a maverick, real estate entrepreneur and passionate philanthropist. He has been blessed in his life by passionate people and mentors that have helped him become who he is today both personally and professionally.

Being of Italian descent, embraced by Denver, his journey took him from a small town in New York to Boston, to Denver. In March 1984, he formed Beacon Hill Investments Inc. and then went on to form Metropolitan Homes, Inc. in 1994. Both specialize in multi-family lifestyle housing. Metropolitan Homes created one of Denver’s most prestigious transit-oriented developments, Vallagio at Inverness. Vallagio was awarded “Neighborhood of the Year” by the Denver Regional Council of Government.

In addition to real estate, Kudla has energized many philanthropic endeavors. He has taken the lead on many notable charitable efforts including “Tiny Miracles” for Children’s Hospital Colorado (2003-2009) and the “Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show” for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (2017). He was recognized as “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver (2003).

As a 20-year friend of the Art Seiden Family, Peter enjoys his family, friends, and close business relationships. Developing creative space for people to live socially, environmentally and culturally, is the passion of Kudla and his people.

Sponsorships & Tickets

To learn more about how you can support the 2022 event, contact Becky Plunkett, director of Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships, at bplunkett@craighospital.org or 303-789-8166.