On April 30, we will begin a fun, exhilarating 24-hour crowdfunding campaign (Tzedakah 4 Kids) to raise scholarship money for the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund.
In preparation for this much-anticipated event, we spoke with Robyn Loup, the beloved wife of Robert E. Loup (Bob), a prolific and inspiring man (and former JCC Board Chair) within the Denver Jewish community, who passed away two years ago.
In order to preserve Bob’s memory, and his passion for JCC scholarships, it was an easy choice to rename the J’s scholarship fund to include Mr. Loup. However, in accordance with their strong and humble humanitarian values, the Loups discourage making this fund about Bob; because, after all, it’s about the children.
In Robyn’s words, “camp [is] a refuge for kids. It is Jewish identity. They feel nurtured by the counselors––it changes lives.”
Bob knew this fact all too well. Growing up on the West Side of Denver, Bob was an only child and was “influenced to get into trouble.” His father finally said, “Son, the only way I’ll straighten you out is through sports at the JCC.”
From “troublemaker” to model citizen, the J’s programming continued to shape his desire to support and engage community members from all walks of life. While his attention always centered around establishing a robust Jewish community in Denver, his heart consistently resided with the children.
“It was always the kids who motivated him. He always believed we had to take care of all the kids. Not just our own, but everyone else’s too” says Robyn.
And with the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund and Tzedakah 4 Kids Day, we hope to do just that! In 24 hours, we hope to raise $180,000 for J scholarships so each and every child who wants to attend J programming, can. Now, we only have exactly 24 hours to reach this goal, and this competition is all or nothing––so the stakes are high! But, with the legacy of Bob Loup beside us, we know anything is possible.
If you need the extra little push to donate on April 30 – May 1, check out this heartwarming testimonial from a proud camp parent who has benefited from the scholarship fund:
“My daughter is now going into her seventh year at Ranch Camp. The friendships she has made… spanning not just the state, but globally—with counselors from Israel and kids from other states—have been invaluable. She has been exposed to a level of Jewish values that she never would have had, without the support of the scholarship program to make it possible for her to go to camp each summer.”
-Ranch Camp parent
When the big day comes, please be sure to click on this link to make your donation. Any and every amount is appreciated and helps support our growing community. This event will ensure all children have an equal chance at the J because, after all, that’s what the Loups have always rallied for.
“Any child should be able to go to camp––the JCC has always not wanted to turn kids away from lack of funds. We have to raise this money in advance.”
And we will, Robyn. We will do so in memory and in honor of Bob. We will do it because of who he was, who you continue to be, and who we are as a community.