JLF Raises More than $1 Million for Denver’s Youth
Denver, CO – The John Lynch Foundation raised a record $1M plus for its scholarship program, through the 15th Annual Salute the Stars Kick Off Party and Awards Luncheon which was held on Thursday, May 9th and Friday, May 10th in Denver. This event, which featured Gen. Tommy Franks (Ret.), Former Commander in Chief, US Central Command as the keynote speaker, is designed to recognize student-athletes for their efforts in the classroom, in sport and in their communities.
The Salute the Stars Kick Off Party was held on Thursday, May 9th at the Lynch’s home in Cherry Hills Village, CO and featured Broncos WR Wes Welker and QB Peyton Manning, and General Franks. The festive evening included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a very successful silent and live auction.
The Salute the Stars Awards Luncheon was held on Friday, May 10th at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium and over 1,000 guests enjoyed lunch on the field, as they watched John and Linda present 13 awards to deserving student-athletes - some with special needs - and one coach. The crowd also heard from Gen. Tommy Franks who inspired guests through his motivational speech.
The John Lynch Foundation raised more than $1M through the live and silent auction, table sales, and its endowment campaign. Funds raised will guarantee that the Lynch Family Legacy Scholarship program will live in perpetuity in Denver.
The following awards were presented at the luncheon (descriptions follow):
(4) Star of the Year Awards
(1) $1,000 Coach of the Year Award
(4) $5,000 Exceptional Star of the Year Awards presented to student-athletes with physical disabilities and Down syndrome
(4) $15,000 Lynch Family Legacy Scholarships
EXCEPTIONAL STAR OF THE YEAR – Garrison Hayes
Garrison is an 8th grader at Fox Ridge Middle School. He is a cancer survivor, a leg amputee, and a Van Ness rotationplasty recipient. He earned a 4.0 GPA despite having to overcome hearing loss and memory challenges due to his chemotherapy. Garrison is an outstanding athlete. When he was in the hospital, he would talk about wanting to go home so he could ride his bike and play on a soccer team. With a very unusual leg, he has learned tae kwon do, plays basketball and sled hockey, and is on a mountain biking team. He has developed into a very good track & field athlete and has been selected to the USA team to compete at the 2013 IWAS Junior World Games in track & field. Garrison set six national records for his age group and disability class in track & field in 2012. He qualified for the US Paralympic Track & Field 2012 National Trials. Garrison regularly visits with children in the hospital who are facing cancer and/or amputation to help them cope with the difficult time in their lives and to offer encouragement and hope.
LYNCH FAMILY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP – Rhett Gutierrez
Rhett is a senior at Standley Lake High School, where he was the starting quarterback and team captain. He has earned Academic All State Honors as he carries a 4.4 GPA while taking IB courses. Rhett has done all this and more while being faced with a challenge that many don’t know about - he is legally blind. He has a retinal disease. He will be attending University of Denver or CSU.
LYNCH FAMILY LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP – Rachel Kennedy
Rachel is a senior at Denver East High School who has carried a very high GPA while taking rigorous courses and being involved in numerous clubs and activities. Rachel excels on the softball field where she plays shortstop, third base and catcher. In track she throws shot put and discus. Since 2009 Rachel has been working 2 ½ hours / week at the Kunsberg School at National Jewish Hospital, which is a school for children with chronic illnesses. She is able to do all of this while maintaining a 20 hour / week job!
About the John Lynch Foundation The John Lynch Foundation is committed to developing quality young leaders by:
encouraging dreams, providing programs that assist, motivate, and develop young leaders, recognizing achievement and excellence.
We inspire young people to become leaders through scholarship, sport participation and community involvement. It is our belief that through these efforts, lifelong lessons including teamwork, responsibility, accountability, and the will to succeed, mold these youth into our future leaders.
The John Lynch Foundation was formed in 2000, in Tampa, FL and to date the John Lynch Foundation has awarded 115 scholarships totaling $610,000 to student-athletes some with special needs. As former student-athletes, John and Linda received college scholarships and understand the commitment it takes to realize great dreams. Today, their dream is to provide support for young people who aim high and are committed to realizing their futures.