• Home
  • Historic Landmark
  • Debutante Candidate Info
  • Scholarship Fund/Donate
  • Debutante Alumni
  • Debutante Online Store
  • The Solar Owl Project
  • Contact The Owl Club
  • More
    • Home
    • Historic Landmark
    • Debutante Candidate Info
    • Scholarship Fund/Donate
    • Debutante Alumni
    • Debutante Online Store
    • The Solar Owl Project
    • Contact The Owl Club
  • Home
  • Historic Landmark
  • Debutante Candidate Info
  • Scholarship Fund/Donate
  • Debutante Alumni
  • Debutante Online Store
  • The Solar Owl Project
  • Contact The Owl Club

Black Philanthropy Month Donations

 August is Black Philanthropy Month, a time to celebrate a legacy of giving — and this year, your support of our work can go even further. Thanks to a partnership between the Colorado Trust and the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund, a $50,000 matching fund is available statewide, matching gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 per donor through August 28.  

Donate

  

Founded in 1941, the Owl Club is one of the most historically significant African American fraternal organizations in Denver. The Owl Club is a consistent hub and touch point for numerous influential and impactful men and women and has shaped Denver society through its public and philanthropic efforts, most notably the Debutante Cotillion. As Denver's oldest cotillion, this event has been a proud tradition for seven decades. It introduces high school Black ladies to Denver's social community, celebrating their achievements and future aspirations.
 


About Black Philanthropy Month

Founded in 2011, Black Philanthropy Month celebrates a tradition of giving that predates formal philanthropy — from mutual aid societies to HBCU support to community-driven crisis response. It honors that legacy through mentorship, advocacy, and collective action, not just financial gifts.

About BRIC Fund

Launched on Juneteenth 2020, the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund is Colorado's first Black-focused community fund, established to mobilize resources and invest in Black-led and Black-serving organizations building stronger, more resilient communities. BRIC has awarded $6 million in grants to 500 nonprofits, reaching approximately 300,000 people and supporting more than 350+ nonprofit leaders of color. Learn more at bricfund.org


We're grateful to the Colorado Trust for generously providing the $50,000 matching fund this Black Philanthropy Month, and to BRIC for coordinating this opportunity across Colorado's Black-led and -serving organizations.Founded in 2005, The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. has been bringing people together for over a decade. What started as a small group of friends has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 members. We're proud of our history and excited for what the future holds!

The Owl Club of Denver 75th Cotillion in Pictures

    Rocky Mountain PBS Colorado Experience: Owl Club Debutantes

    For 75 years, the longest-running Black cotillion in Colorado has celebrated young Black women in Denver for their academic achievements and community contributions.


    The Owl Club of Denver recently welcomed its newest class of debutantes — 13 high school seniors from across the metro area — at its annual cotillion ball. The cotillion is the culmination of months of preparation, including college preparatory workshops, etiquette lessons, dance rehearsals, and dress shopping.

    Download PDF

    the Owl Club Social Media Interviews

    Debutante Cotillion celebrates a rich past, exciting futures-Joanne Davidson Colorado Politics

     For the past several months, the Owl Club of Denver has filled its social media platforms with salutes to, and testimony from, the women who, following their presentation at the club’s annual Debutante Cotillion, have gone on to excel, achieve and set positive examples for those who follow. 

    In showcasing their prominence, the club members weren’t just bragging about having chosen graduating high school seniors with a clear sense of direction. They were offering proof to the 2026 debutantes that it’s perfectly OK to set lofty goals because with hard work and perseverance, dreams can indeed come true. 

    https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2026/06/12/debutante-cotillion-celebrates-a-rich-past-exciting-futures-nonprofit-register/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTMg3VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQSXc5S2pUTVlzOEdEOXV1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlVqIMRZ5icZej4BGQ3WeuMwJyMiOCJ3gNlnPI6o72aR-PnlBuGbhXkBb7IV_aem_rH4kOhK8T-wHU806Q8XGVg

    The Owl Club Celebrates 75 years of Debutante Presentations

    Members with the 85-year old Owl Club Organization are interviewed as part of the Black History Month celebration.  The Owl Club will host its 75th Diamond Anniversary Cotillion Presentation in June 2026. 


    https://share.google/DbaItWxg3yxzY98cZ


    Matt Hinderman with Elevating Denver

      

    Elevating Denver: Owl Club

    For over 80 years, The Owl Club of Denver has been empowering African American youth to soar high by providing invaluable support and opportunities through brotherhood and community service. 

    The club also works to elevate and highlight young women in the community through their annual Debutante Cotillion, their signature event of the year. 

    Their legacy is immense, and count many

     local and national leaders amongst their membership. 

    Join us to hear about their significant impact they've made on Denver over the years. Don't miss it! The Owl Club Members latest social media appearance is with Matt Hinderman, Multiplatform Producer for the City and County of Denver.
    https://youtu.be/wevazLDX2Bc

    Janelle Finch & Anne Herbst with 9News

      

    9News Recognizes The Owl Club of Denver Legacy of Service. 

    Please click on the link below to watch the first of several Owl Club members' interviews by 9News Janelle Finch and Anne Herbst as we celebrate 83 years of community service.

    https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/storytellers/historic-owl-club-in-spotlight-after-83-years-of-service/73-871df87a-5d40-4a1d-9605-551e2865f11c 

    Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

    Jessica Porter with Denver 7 News

      

    In the spotlight this Black History month: The Owl Club of Denver. 

    Please click on the link below to watch Jessica Porter's interview with Owl Club member Mr. Ronald Washington and Terri Gentry, History Colorado's Engagement Manager for Black Communities. 

    https://www.denver7.com/news/black-history-month/in-the-spotlight-this-black-history-month-the-owl-club-of-denver551e2865f11c 

    Owl Club History is Denver, Colorado, National, and Worldwide History

      Owl Club Debutante Community Profiles

        The Owl Club of Denver 74th Debutante Cotillion June 7 2025

        Our Story

        In 1951, the first Owl Club debutante Ball was held at the Park Hill Country Club. It was the first such cotillion in the City and County of Denver. From 1951 through the current year, The Owl Club of Denver has been pleased to present over 1,000 of Denver's finest African American young ladies as Owl Debutantes.

        Our Values

        Education has always been a high priority for the Owl Club membership. Recognizing the financial needs of many talented Owl Club Debutantes, William Kirk established the first Owl Club Scholarship Fund. Today, the Owl Club of Denver Scholarship Foundation annually awards scholarships to Debutantes who best meet the academic and financial requirements set up by the Foundation.

        Debutante Candidates

        The Debutantes are selected on the basis of academic achievement, morals, character, leadership and outstanding community achievements. The young ladies are not presented on the basis of their parents' social status or economic background, but rather, are required to qualify on their own merits.

        Our Values

        At The Owl Club of Denver, Inc., we are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and respect. Our events and activities are designed to create a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

        The Owl Club of Denver's 74th Annual Cotillion

          74th Debutante Cotillion shines spotlight on outstanding teens | NONPROFIT REGISTER

          Link to Article

          Denver Owl Club Virtual 69th Annual Debutante Presentation

           The Owl Club of Denver, Colorado was founded in 1941. Annually, the Club recognizes outstanding African-American young ladies with the Debutante Cotillion. 

          Please click the following link to view the 2020 virtual 69th Annual Debutante Cotilion celebration. https://discovered.tv/watch/ZajmBGt3

          the 73rd Cotillion's Souvenir Table Program

          Download PDF

          The Owl Club of Denver 73rd Debutante Cotillion

            The Owl Club, Chi Phi Chapter Omega Psi Phi Frat & Delta Sigma Theta Youth Group Unlocking the Future: Exploring the Wonders of STEM for Young Adults

              Owl Club of Denver and Generous Volunters College Experience and Expectations Workshop Topics Finding Your Tribe, Financial Aid, and Mental Health


                Copyright © 2023 The Owl Club of Denver, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

                <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.ywxi.net/js/1.js" async></script>

                • Home
                • Historic Landmark
                • Debutante Candidate Info
                • Scholarship Fund/Donate
                • Debutante Alumni
                • Debutante Online Store
                • The Solar Owl Project

                Powered by

                This website uses cookies.

                We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

                Accept