Sean ‘Ranch’ Lough Derby Party 2014

We all know the Sean Lough Scholarship Foundation throws one heck of a party on the day of the Kentucky Derby each year. And yes, it’s known to have the best mint juleps, champagne and oysters too! Also – It’s a terrific way to showcase beautiful people dressed in stylish, colorful and creative hats (rivaling those seen at the Kentucky Derby), but be assured the reason and purpose of this event runs deep.

When talking with my friend, Mike Berg, one of the loyal founders of the Denver Derby Party, I sensed his immense dedication and pride for what they have accomplished since founding the Sean Lough Foundation back in 2004. The event that was born out of a friend’s tragic passing (and wanting his death not to be in vain), was first held in Wash Park with 130 people in attendance. It moved on to the Botanic Gardens, then Infinity Park, and now – with its over 5,000 people in attendance – at the Downtown Denver, centrally located and scenic Denver Performing Arts Complex – including Sculpture Park! Tickets to the event include admission, entertainment, food, and all beverages.The race and entertainment was displayed on over 25 different HDTV’s located throughout the event, and included two special 30′ x 18′ high resolution LCDs.

Terrance Hunt, Scott Anderson, and the other founders truly focus on the reasons behind this major event; and we never get tired of repeating their moving story about Sean: “Sean “Ranch” Lough had a passion for giving. Sean was a dear friend, brother and son who tragically passed away in June of 2001 as a result of a mountain biking accident, while living in Richmond, Virginia. In his 29 years of life, Ranch accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. One of his greatest attributes was his ability to live every day to its fullest and have a good time while focusing on accomplishing the high goals he set for himself. It is felt that this scholarship in his name shall be given to an individual or individuals that exemplify the qualities Ranch had, including a high GPA, an economic need and most of all a hearty personality and a love for life. With this scholarship we hope to help other young people accomplish the goals and aspirations that Ranch never had the chance to.The 4-year, full-ride scholarship to Colorado State University, Sean’s alma mater, is awarded to a deserving student or students each year at the Denver Derby Party.”

The Derby Day Spring celebration has captured the attention of NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN because it is a major charity event which sends under-privileged, deserving students to college and has become known throughout the country as one of the best Derby parties.  In fact, it’s been officially ranked as the #1 derby party in the nation!

The students who win the scholarships don’t take the simple things in life for granted – certainly not this year’s winners: Eunice Bembissa and Brianna Kimble: Eunice, a senior from South Denver High School, is grateful for all she has been given and for all of her experiences in life, even the hard times that most people couldn’t even possibly imagine. So, THANK YOU to everyone who has attended, sponsored, or will be attending for the first time this year – your overwhelming support has made this one of the best fundraisers in the state!

At one month old, Eunice lost her father to the brutal civil war in the Congo. Her mother moved the family to a refugee camp and later died when Eunice was just three years old. “Education wasn’t possible in Africa. We didn’t attend schools back there because we could not afford education,” Eunice said. At age 13, UNICEF brought Eunice and her two sisters to Colorado. “Two weeks after we landed, I started 7th grade, not knowing the English language,” said Eunice.  But somehow she thrived and excelled in school.  Eunice took care of her sisters, and also sent money to her two brothers who still live in Africa. Eunice went on to say: “Sometimes I feel like I haven’t done enough because I really think about helping my family a lot, and education is money going to help my family,” she said through tears. “I feel like I am not doing enough because my brothers are still suffering.”

By not paying for college, Eunice can do more to help her family.  “I will go back to Africa to open schools or hospitals, just to help kids,” I know where I came from, and I know what it is like to live in a third-world country.”

The other scholarship recipient, Brianna Kimble, a formerly homeless teen and a student at Littleton High School, never ever made excuses for what had happened to her, and has refused to let her past determine her future. Brianna said: “I had places I lived, lots and lots of places I lived, but not a home per say. I lived in a Jeep for a while and was begging people for money just to be able to buy food and survive. That was one of the rougher parts of my life.” Kimble bravely stayed in school worked hard on her academics while also working to support herself.

Both courageous, remarkable young ladies were presented with a full ride for four years to Colorado State University; and they, and the previous years’ recipients, are the passion of the Sean Lough organization. These life-changing gifts were made possible by the tickets sold to attend the fun, for a great cause, Denver Derby Party all in memory of Sean Lough. And as always… See you next year on the first Saturday in May – come rain or come shine!

(If you are interested in giving to the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Scholarship Foundation, go to:  www.denverderby.com.  100% of Proceeds Benefit The Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation –  with no operating expenses. Its founders and supporters volunteer their time, and the scholarship funds are deposited into CSU’s 501(c)3 and are managed by the school’s endowment manager.)