Mint Juleps and Million Dollar Missions

Beverage Burros from Sparrow Hill Beverage Burros

#Itsforthekids is the perfect way to describe something that can unify all of Northern Colorado. That is exactly what NOCO Unify is setting out to do. This organization of 30-something men has set out each year since 2007 to support the population of NOCO that deserves our support more than anyone else: the children of NOCO.

Over the past 18 years, NOCO Unify has donated more than $5 million to the children of Northern Colorado through different programs and organizations. When you donate to NOCO Unify, you are not supporting a vague idea of helping children—you are directly impacting the lives of our community in a real, tangible way. This year, they are supporting three campaigns across Northern Colorado:

• A Women’s Place is working to build a domestic violence shelter in Weld County, doubling service capacity for survivors. Did you know approximately every $100 donated supports one night of safe shelter and comprehensive services for a survivor?

• Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado – The location is set and the kids of NOCO can’t wait. Now we need to make it happen. This campaign will help renovate the 14,000-square-foot location in the Loveland Yards. A $50 monetary or equivalent in-kind donation provides educational materials for a single exhibit, enriching hands-on learning experiences.

• Teaching Tree Early Learning Center – Our youngest NOCO residents need a renovated playground. This pledge will support restoring the current equipment and purchasing new equipment for a safe, enriching learning environment. Every $200 supports the purchase of essential classroom and playground materials, directly benefiting child development.

I can’t think of a better cause to support than the youngest of our community. Each child in NOCO deserves to have the best opportunities we can provide for them, and NOCO Unify works directly to support that. Not to mention—while raising these funds, they know how to throw one hell of a party!

We had the privilege of helping coordinate a raffle item for their most recent Down & Derby Party this past weekend. With the support of some amazing businesses, we put together a NOCO Date Night Raffle Package worth over $1000 in date night activities. One lucky couple is ready to hit up Board & Brush for a DIY date night, Ace Gillett’s for the perfect evening of drinks and dinner, Pinot’s Palette to create beautiful art together, enjoy a private tasting event at The Hot Sauce Realm, enjoy a night at Chimney Park, sips some margs at The Rio and have a curated date night put together by me (Kelsi) from This is NOCO. This was just one of 20 amazing raffle prizes that were awarded last night, ranging from wonderful Northern Colorado prizes to a trip to the 2026 Kentucky Derby!

The Down & Derby party this weekend included a craft cocktail bar from Social, amazing florals from CC's flowers, adorable beverage burros from Sparrow Hill Beverage Burros, delicious food from Brothers BBQ, and of course about 5 minutes of exciting horse racing. We spent the night enjoying the grounds of the Grainhouse, especially the wonderful swings they have where we could do some amazing people watching. I have always wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby, and drinking mint juleps surrounded by the people of NOCO had me feeling like maybe I can just do this every year instead. I maybe got too into cheering for Citizen Bull to win, even though I know nothing about horse racing. We can’t wait to see what next year holds.

This event raised over $35,000 dollars for the children of Northern Colorado through the raffle prizes! Annually this event raises around $130k. I am blown away to hear how much support NOCO Unify already received for this years campaigns.

However, you know these are million dollar missions so if you missed this event, don’t worry—there are two more NOCO Unify events coming up where you can experience a great event and built-in support for our kids.

• June 6: Get out and hit the course for the Kids Classic Golf Tournament at Greeley Country Club. Get a tournament entry gift, food and drink included, shopping credit, golf cart and range balls, and a silent auction. And of course, best of all—supporting the kids of Northern Colorado.

• August 15: Get ready to fly away (maybe) from the annual Suitcase Party. This party sounds like the most exciting night of the year, and I cannot wait to see what it is all about. Get ready to dance the night away while entering a raffle to win a three-night trip—the winner will be whisked away in a private jet THAT NIGHT! This year’s Suitcase Party is Miami Vice-themed and will take place at Discovery Air.

  
  

To participate in these events and be in the loop for everything coming up head over to Nocounify.org and get ready to show up and show out for the kids of NOCO.