Our Origin Story

The Saint Sebastian Project was started in Los Angeles in 2008. The founders, Jim and Clare Gurbach, were watching Catholic schools in the archdiocese play sports against each other, but noticed a significant resource disparity across the teams. Some schools lacked uniforms and basic equipment, including basketballs. Jim and Clare said to each other, “Let’s do something about this.”

Together with the support of family and friends, the Gurbachs formed the Saint Sebastian Project in 2009. The name came from the inscription above the very doors they walked out of that day.

In 2011, we were formally given 501(c)(3) status and started the same effort in the Denver metro area. In our first year, we provided assistance to five schools. We are now proud to support over 20 schools across the state of Colorado. Learn more about Our Schools we are working with.

Saint Sebastian is the Patron Saint of Athletes because of his physical endurance and energetic way of spreading and defending the faith. Sebastian is also patron to all soldiers. He entered the Roman army under Emperor Carinus in 283 in order to defend the confessors and martyrs of his day without drawing attention to himself. St. Sebastian was young and strong, physically surviving multiple arrow wounds. Today this strength translates to the perseverance we see in many of the children attending the schools that we support.

Our hope is both our supporters and the children we touch will look to Saint Sebastian in hopes of attaining strength and endurance. One prayer to Saint Sebastian asks that athletes be as strong in their faith as he was. St. Sebastian’s appeal is universal. In a world that often overwhelms us, we look to him in hopes of sharing in the vitality that made him steadfast in life and faith.

One prayer to Saint Sebastian asks that athletes be as strong in their faith as he was. St. Sebastian’s appeal is universal. In a world that often overwhelms us, we look to him in hopes of sharing in the vitality that made him steadfast in life and faith.

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Testimonials

Our Board

We are so appreciative of the time and effort provided by our board. Their time and selfless dedication is shaping our organization.

  • Jeff Stemper
  • Monique Stemper
  • Charlie Maguire
  • Tim Root
  • Jon Stemper
  • Nick Burns
  • Dan Beyer
  • Emily Meggison