It goes without saying, but the Denver Derby Party is one of the best events of the summer. This year’s edition is presented by Woodford Reserve (no complaints there) and we’re more than ready to place our bets.
What is the Denver Derby Party?
First and foremost, it’s a fundraiser. Each year, three recipients of the Sean “Ranch” Lough Memorial Endowment are awarded with full scholarships to Colorado State University. Yes, you read that correctly. This generosity is due entirely to the patrons of the Derby party, and the event sponsors.
Founded in 2001, The Sean “Ranch” Lough Foundation has awarded more than 55 students with scholarships. The criteria to be eligible for the scholarship makes it one of the most sought after for rising college freshman. First, the students must maintain a high GPA, much like Sean did when he was a student. They must exhibit a financial need (although not required) and be a graduate of a Denver metro area high school. And finally, they must be a first generation university student.
The actual party, which is now held annually at Sculpture Park at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, is second only to Churchill Downs. Each year, thousands of hats, heels, suits and boots take over the field to witness the most exciting two minutes in sports, and the awarding of the scholarship checks. (The live-feed at the Kentucky Derby cuts to Denver every year.)
The party and the scholarships
The Derby Party has grown immensely since starting 18 years ago. Founded at the Wash Park boathouse before moving to Max Gill & Grill, the event finally outgrew both venues and moved to 14th Street and Sculpture Park. Can you imagine that sort of growth? The party outgrew a restaurant so big and so fast that it required taking over an entire field. (There were a few years in between the party was held on 14th Street in front of the Colorado Convention Center.)
And with each year of growth, more add-ons give the party new life. Live music has always been a staple of the event, and now with the addition of a DJ, the party starts long before and runs after the race. Celebrity hosts like Emily Makinzie, an award winning Denver radio personality, handle emcee duties on the main stage.
DERBY SCHOLARSHIP MOLLY V2 from F4D Studio on Vimeo.
F4D is there every year with cameras. We have been working with the Sean Lough Foundation to create profile videos of the Denver students receiving the scholarships. This nonprofit work is the type of thing that bolsters F4D’s devotion to compassion in our company culture.
We’ve been very fortunate to interview students, families and Denver Public School officials. In these interviews we uncover the obstacles the students overcame, the goals that were set, and the dreams that were achieved. We then put together video packages that are played at the Denver Derby Party before the students receive their checks. It’s an overwhelming time during the event. There are 5,000 people dressed in their absolute Sunday best, all who bought tickets that directly fund these scholarships, witnessing these students’ life-changing moment.
To learn more about partner opportunities with The Sean Lough Foundation and the Denver Derby Party, visit the website here. You can also go ahead get your tickets.
Denver DerbyParty Foundation Video from DenverDerby on Vimeo.
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