The Home Trust of Ouray County is thrilled to celebrate Dee Williams, recipient of the Telluride Foundation’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award! Dee’s decades of service, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting difference in Ouray County, and we couldn’t be happier to see her commitment to our community recognized.
For the Home Trust, Dee is more than a longtime supporter. She helped get the organization off the ground, served four years on the HTOC Board, and remains one of our most loyal volunteers, coordinating the Ourayce 10K Fourth of July fundraiser and annual Home Tour.
When asked about her many accomplishments, Dee shared, “Of everything I’ve done, I’m really most proud of getting the Home Trust off the ground.”
Her words reflect the heart of her service: a belief in building a stronger community and a willingness to step up and make things happen.
A Legacy of Community Leadership
Dee’s impact reaches far beyond the Home Trust. Throughout the years, she has helped launch organizations, preserve local landmarks, support young people, and strengthen nonprofits across Ouray County.
Her contributions include:
- Home Trust of Ouray County: Helped launch HTOC, served four years on the Board, and continues to coordinate the Ourayce 10K and Home Tour.
- Ouray Nordic Council: Founded the council, which established cross-country ski tracks at Ironton and continues to maintain them in partnership with TrailGroup.
- The Wright Opera House: When the historic building was threatened with sale and conversion into condominiums, Dee helped establish Friends of the Wright Opera House, raise funds, and preserve the building as a nonprofit community asset.
- El Pomar Foundation: Represented Ouray County on the San Juan Regional Council, helping bring attention and funding to local nonprofits, including the Home Trust.
- Futures: Dee and friends created “Futures” helping Juniors and Seniors decide if and where they wanted to go to college, apply and get scholarships.
Dee has also served on Ouray City Council, the Home Rule Community, the Community Development Committee, The Women’s Club, Women in Support of Education, Friends of Cedar Hills Cemetery, and as president of the Ouray Chamber of Commerce.
Whether coordinating a community fundraiser, preserving a historic building, supporting local students, or lending a hand behind the scenes, Dee approaches every task with enthusiasm, generosity, and a cheerful willingness to help.
Our community is stronger because Dee shows up and makes a difference. Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and action, and her recognition as the Telluride Foundation’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year is a well-deserved celebration of the countless ways she has helped make Ouray County a better place to live.
Join Us in Celebrating Dee!
The Telluride Foundation invites the community to join in honoring Dee at a special celebration at the Wright Opera House. Enjoy drinks and light bites while celebrating Dee’s remarkable contributions to our region.
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Where: The Wright Opera House, Ouray, Colorado
Please RSVP: 2026 Volunteer of the Year Celebration
The Home Trust encourages our friends, supporters, volunteers, and community members to attend and help celebrate someone who has given so much to Ouray County.