Celebrating the Legacy of Cathlin Donnell: A Gathering of Friends, Family, and Community

This plaque tells guests and visitors who Cathlin was and the purpose of the memorial garden.

On September 19, The Delores Project had the privilege of honoring the life and legacy of Cathlin Donnell (1946-2004), whose generosity has touched countless lives. Long-time friends, family, and members of the community came together to celebrate Cathlin’s impact and her unwavering commitment to supporting women in Colorado.

Cathlin Donnell was a passionate philanthropist and a lifelong advocate for social justice. Her unwavering dedication to empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women, led her to become a key supporter of The Delores Project (TDP) in our early days. She helped TDP secure a home that allowed us to transition from a winter-only shelter to providing year-round services. Her work and kindness continue to inspire those who knew her, as well as those touched by her generosity.

Throughout the event, guests shared heartfelt stories and reflections on Cathlin’s enduring legacy, showcasing how her philanthropy has contributed to the remarkable growth of The Delores Project. A highlight of the day was the dedication of the Cathlin Donnell Memorial Garden. Given Cathlin’s deep love for the outdoors, it’s only fitting that this beautiful garden, which sits on the land Cathlin helped secure for The Delores Project, now stands as a serene space for reflection and remembrance. Within the Garden, rocks engraved with the names of guests who have passed away were placed. Guests are able to visit and pay tribute to those we've lost, while finding peace in the natural beauty Cathlin cherished so much. Following the dedication, attendees were taken on a tour of The Delores Project, providing an inside look at our day-to-day operations and the ongoing work that Cathlin’s generosity made possible.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Cathlin Donnell and for their continued support of our mission. Her legacy lives on in every life we touch and every step forward we take as an organization. If you’d like to make a gift in memory of Cathlin, you can do so by clicking the donate button below or visiting https://givebutter.com/OwnZcn.