Tzedakah for kids by Kids: JCC Denver Inspires Young Philanthropists
The Robert (Bob) E. Loup Scholarship Fund has long provided financial aid to children and their families in need, supporting participation in the JCC Early Learning School, Camp Shai, Ranch Camp, the Wolf Theater Academy and youth Tennis camps. The fund serves as a vital and necessary resource for our community.
This year, Tzedakah for Kids, the JCC initiative that raises funds for the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund, includes several new components including a series of three community-based fundraising events, and the new Kids Mitzvah Challenge. This addition fosters the timeless lesson of leadership, giving and character building for our youngest members.
“The idea is that everyone can give back. By involving kids in fundraising, we are teaching them that tzedakah can happen at any age and in so many different ways,” General Manager of the JCC Early Learning School and Camps, Courtney Jacobson explains.
The concept of giving is already baked into many aspects of JCC youth programming throughout the year. From service days maintaining Colorado’s trails to instilling positive behaviors and values in classrooms and cabins, such as helping clean up or holding the door open for friends, “we make it a staple in our activities and in the language we use with the children in our programs,” Courtney says.
For the Kids Mitzvah Challenge, participating children will receive a bingo-like card with a number of mitzvot to complete. They can ask their family and friends to sponsor them once they complete the mitzvot. One hundred percent of all funds raised will go directly towards the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund.
The family friendly three-event series with all proceeds supporting Bob’s fund, will kick off with a Purim carnival on March 9 in the JCC Social Hall from 12:00 – 3:00 pm, the event will include a “Wicked” inspired Purim Spiel in the Wolf Theater. The event promises exciting activities like hamantaschen baking, mask making, costume makeup tutorials, Purim-themed memory games, a Haman hat toss, and a Purim obstacle course. Plus, a costume contest will inspire attendees to arrive in their most creative garb.
During the Purim carnival, a Mensch Award ceremony with prizes will be held for the Kids Mitzvah Challenge. Participating kids can win prizes like naming a horse at Ranch Camp to a challah tutorial with one of our ELS educators, to the coveted first registration spot for Camp Shai’s Summer 2026 registration, as well as many other exciting prizes.
What people have to say about out programs, whose attendance was made possible through the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund:
“Nothing has been more important to me or as exciting as attending JCC Ranch Camp for the past six years… I am really looking forward to seeing old friends, making new friends, and learning more about myself.”
“ELS at the JCC has been instrumental as a launching pad for my children’s education. Our kids developed socially and emotionally. We’ll forever be grateful for this amazing school and the wonderful people who bring it to life.”
Stay tuned for more family-focused events, including a Concert by the Pool this summer and the Fall Festival at Ranch Camp in the fall that will help to raise money throughout the year for scholarships.
Interested in sponsorship of the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund? Your support can make a big difference to a child and family in need.