UCHealth’s Healthy Swings Home Run Derby raises $260K for Athletics & Beyond

4 UCHealth Healthy Swing 2026

Aurora, Colo. – UCHealth is donating $260,150 to Athletics & Beyond following the success of its annual Healthy Swings charity home run derby, an event that brought together professional football players, community leaders and local youth for a day of competition and purpose. Athletics & Beyond is a Denver-based youth mentoring organization that uses sports to empower young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills and succeed in school and life. 

“Healthy Swings is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together around a shared purpose,” said Bill Smith, director, brand partnership activation at UCHealth. “We’re proud to partner with Athletics & Beyond to expand opportunities for young people across Denver - from mentorship and education to exposure to careers they may not have otherwise considered.”

The event featured Denver football players Alex Singleton, Will Lutz, Courtland Sutton and their teammates, who stepped up to the plate to drive donations with every swing. For each hit, UCHealth contributed between $100 and $20,000 

Courtland Sutton led the field as this year’s home run derby winner by hitting two home runs in the championship round. 

“It’s an honor to compete for something bigger than the game,” said Sutton. “Anytime I get a chance to come out here—whether I win or not—to come out here and contribute to a cause, it’s a blessing. Athletics & Beyond is doing important work, and we’re proud to support their mission.” 

Beyond the competition, the day also provided hands-on experiences for students from Athletics & Beyond. Participants had the opportunity to step into sports-related roles, from on-field reporting to working in the media booth, offering a behind-the-scenes look at potential career paths in athletics and media. 

‘We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with UCHealth on this opportunity,” said Narcy Jackson, executive director, Athletics & Beyond. “Funds raised through Healthy Swings will support our mentoring programs, helping to expand access to academic support, leadership development and sports-based enrichment for youth across metro Denver.” 

Each year, UCHealth selects a different nonprofit to benefit from Healthy Swings, reinforcing its commitment to community health and well-being. UCHealth has donated more than $1M to several local and national organizations. Previous charity partners include Freedom Service Dogs, Next Chapter, Food for Thought Denver, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Feeding Colorado, Gold Crown Foundation and the American Cancer Society.