Nonprofits and individuals were honored for accomplishments in their fields with a Night of Excellence dinner at Broadmoor’s Colorado Hall on Oct. 23. Honorees were selected by El Pomar Foundation from nominees around Colorado and treated to a night of congratulations and standing ovations.
Awards for Excellence has a 35-year tradition that follows the historic local philanthropy of El Pomar founders Spencer and Julie Penrose. “These awards are a meaningful way for us to highlight remarkable organizations and individuals for their exceptional service and commitment to the people of Colorado,” El Pomar President and CEO Kyle Hybl said. “Their stories are inspiring and the ways they innovate, collaborate and overcome challenge is noteworthy.
” One award went to a woman who “embodies the community involvement, leadership and service to other women” of Julie Penrose. The award was started in 2020 by El Pomar trustees on what would have been her 150th birthday. Recipient of the 2024 Julie Penrose Award , who also received a $10,000 grant to a nonprofit of her choice, was Lucille Echohawk.
She is a citizen of the Oklahoma Pawnee Nation and a resident of Colorado. Her life advocacy is in child welfare for American Indian and Alaska Natives. She co-founded Native Americans for Philanthropy, Denver Indian Center, Inc.
, Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Pawnee Evening Star Fund and Native American Housing Circle and was a 2023 Denver International Women’s Day honoree.