Today, we’d like to share a heartfelt story from Robyn Loup, who reflects on the legacy of her late husband, Bob Loup (z”l), and why their family is committed to giving back through the Bob Loup Scholarship Fund.
As a mischievous young boy, Bob Loup’s boundless energy often led him into trouble—until the day his father announced, “Son, you’re going to the JCC and getting into sports.” That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Jewish Community Center (JCC), shaping not only Bob’s life but countless others. “Bob never forgot the impact the JCC had on him as a child,” recalls his wife, Robyn Loup, who continues to honor his memory and dedication to the community. “He believed deeply in the power of the JCC and its ability to transform lives, especially through sports and camps.”
Though Bob passed away seven years ago, his legacy reverberates, fueled by his passion for fostering belonging, growth, and Jewish identity for children through programs like Ranch Camp, Camp Shai, and the Early Learning Center. Bob’s vibrant personality is remembered by many. “He had tremendous capacity and energy and loved the Jewish community. The JCC was the most important to him because of his childhood,” Robyn continues. Having served as Board President twice, received the Robert E Loup Hineni Award in Bob’s honor, and intervened on several occasions to support the organization’s financial footing, Bob was especially fueled by his passion for camps. “He really believed that every child should go to camp who wants to, and the ones who can’t afford it: even more so,” Robyn shares.
“Children relate to experiences, feeling a sense of belonging, having fun, creating friendships, meeting counselors from Israel, and being independent away from home,” Robyn explains of Ranch Camp’s plethora of offerings. From singing Shabbat songs while immersed in nature to forming deep bonds with Ranch Camp’s horses, and enjoying arts and crafts or outdoor adventures. Camp offers endless opportunities for children to express themselves and find meaning and connection to their Judaism.
The Bob Loup Scholarship Fund, which was established by the community in loving memory of Bob and honors his passion for empowering youth, offers need-based scholarships to help families. “I want people to visualize a child having an unbelievable experience and being happy and the difference it’s going to make in their sense of Jewish identity, and mental and physical health. You have to put yourself in the shoes in the potential future of a young teen or pre-teen. I think is one of the most important experiences for a child.”
At the JCC Denver, we believe in the power of community and the difference generosity can make.
