Owl Club of Denver Scholarship Fund Incorporated

The Scholarship Fund was established in 1979 by Owl Club member Mr. William Kirk and Mrs. Ruby Kirk-Gray.  The Scholarship Fund received 501(c)(3) status in 1994 by members Mr. Penfield Tate III and Mr. Skip Riley. The Scholarship Fund has awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to debutante candidates.

Founded in 1941, the Owl Club of Denver 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. The Debutantes are selected based on academic achievement, morals, character, leadership and outstanding community achievements and provides high-achieving young African American ladies an opportunity to showcase their talent. Former Debutantes report that the event provided them with tools for success at a pivotal time in their lives. The Owl Club has presented over 1,600 debutantes in 74 years from the Denver area.

Your sponsorship will assist in covering costs associated with organizing the debutante program including the orientation, the workshops, the cotillion and associate events.   Furthermore, your support will help provide scholarships and other educational opportunities for the debutantes, enabling them to pursue their goals. In 1994, the Owl Club Scholarship Fund was chartered to provide academic scholarships to the Debutantes and help young ladies overcome financial barriers.