A Party with a
Purpose
There’s no doubt that we throw the biggest Kentucky Derby Party outside of Churchill Downs. But what many party-goers don’t know is why the event exists—and the way it changes Denver-area students’ lives.
The Sean "Ranch" Lough Memorial Scholarship
Funded in memory of Sean, a remarkable individual who touched many people with his spirit, aspirations, humor, and kindness. Although his life and bright future were cut short, his spirit will remain in everyone he knew.
Commemorating the Life & Accomplishments of Sean Lough
Sean Lough (AKA 'Ranch') 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 twenty-nine 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.
Changing the Lives of Denver Students
It is felt that this scholarship in his name shall be given to an individual that exemplifies 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 each year at the Derby Party.
Who Was Sean Lough?
Sean never had an enemy
Says Terrance Hunt. “He wanted to laugh with people and make people laugh, but he was also one of the most focused people I’ve ever known.” Lough graduated from Colorado State University and took a job with the Gates Rubber Co., where he quickly got promoted to engineer. He left Denver for the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors and an MBA with an emphasis in information technology. Then Lough took a job with Honeywell in Virginia, where he was part of a fast-track program to upper management.
“Sean was brilliant and very motivated, and he’d take every hour of the day to do something great,” Hunt says.
A Remarkable Individual
As every one that knew him will attest, Ranch was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many people with his spirit, aspirations, humor and kindness. In his twenty-nine 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. Although his life and bright future were cut short, his spirit will remain in everyone he knew.
What it Means
The Most Recent Scholarship Winner
is Fred Herrera who graduated from Arupe Jesuit High School, a private school that serves economically disadvantaged students with a unique program. Students work one day a week at local businesses; in turn, the businesses pay a significant amount of the students’ tuition. To make up for the time outside of class, the school day and school year are longer than usual.
“It’s a pretty structured place,” says college counselor Joanne Augustine, adding that 100 percent of the program’s graduates have been accepted to college in the school’s four-year history. “The challenge, of course, is helping students find the financial means to go to college.”
Herrera agrees. “The scholarship changed my life,” he says. “It lifted a burden off my shoulders. I can study without worrying about how much my studies are costing my family.”
Herrera plans to major in business marketing, and he says he’s enjoying CSU’s academic and social life. “The Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation chose me to represent them, and I am taking this opportunity to do as much as I can in college. I can’t imagine a better opportunity to build my life.”
Rusty Says...
Holy Horses! - Check out these amazing statistics - this Party truly helps Denver's underprivileged kids - thanks for your continued support!
Our Committee is Amazing!
No Operating Expenses
The Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation has absolutely 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.
Contact Us to see how you can volunteer and help us send inner city youths to college.
By the Numbers
11 Years
And still going strong. We've grown the Derby Party into a true Colorado Tradition.
Over 4500 People
Last year we hosted over 4500 people and are continuing to grow that crowd.
Only 45 Minutes
That's all it took to sell out all our tickets online in 2011.
10 Scholarship Winners
We are proud to have significantly changed these kids' lives - and you should be too!
$750,000 Raised
To date the Derby Party and our other events have helped us raise our fund to over $750,000
$0 Spent
Thanks to our awesome volunteers, 100% of the money raised goes straight to the Foundation and costs us nothing to run.
One Goal
To shatter the $1 Million mark with this year's event.
