12 Oct Telluride Foundation: 2026 Volunteer of the Year is Dee Williams!
After carefully reviewing outstanding nominations, the Telluride Foundation is proud to announce Dee Williams as the recipient of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award. She will be honored on November 10th from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at the Wright Opera House in Ouray, CO. All community members are invited to join us in celebration.
Go here for more about the Telluride Foundation (back to 2009).
Dee Williams, courtesy, Telluride Foundation.
Williams has provided decades of service and leadership in Ouray County. Her many contributions include helping launch the Home Trust of Ouray County (HTOC), where she served for four years on the board and continues to volunteer as a coordinator for the 10K Fourth of July fundraiser and Home Tour.
Williams also founded the Ouray Nordic Council, established cross-country ski tracks at Ironton, and coordinates their ongoing maintenance with the Ouray Trail Group.
When the Wright Opera House was at risk of being sold and converted into condominiums, Williams stepped up to form the Friends of the Wright Opera House. She helped raise funds and preserve the historic building as a nonprofit—ensuring it would remain a special place for the community.
As this year’s recipient, Dee Williams will have the opportunity to direct a $5,000 grant to the regional nonprofit of her choice.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year award feels especially meaningful. The Foundation has witnessed so many people step up for their neighbors – whether responding to the resort closure, fires, and mudslides, or quietly running nonprofit programs day in and day out.
These volunteers are what make our region so special, and Dee Williams exemplifies that spirit of service and community.
No Comments