Explore Junior League, Denver’s Premier Women’s Membership Organization

When you hear Junior League of Denver, what do you think of? For many, the answer is obvious. Why, cookbooks of course! While this community-centric women’s organization does many other things, the nonprofit’s collection of six award-winning cookbooks is a clear standout in the Denver community and beyond.

The League’s cookbooks have been a Denver staple since Colorado Cache was released in 1978. The cookbook is still a popular wedding present and housewarming gift due to the many legendary recipes that are now being handed down from one generation to the next. The League sold about 1.1 million copies of its first cookbook, an incredible feat for a local nonprofit!

The League has sold more than 2.1 million books to date, raising nearly $7 million to support the community. The Junior League of Denver is known for creating incredible cookbooks that feature unique triple-tested recipes, as well as mouth-watering recipe photos and Colorado landscape photography. The late John Fielder graciously donated breathtaking shots for several of the books.

So what exactly does the League do? Isn’t it a wealthy, exclusive group of women lunching in pearls and gloves? Definitely not. The Junior League of Denver welcomes all women and is committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. Women who are at least 21 and live in the Denver metro area can join the League. Recruitment opens each spring!

Founded in 1918, the Junior League of Denver empowers women to become civic leaders and impactful community volunteers. The League’s mission is best explained through its tagline: Live the Legacy: Give, Grow, Get Connected. In other words, this historic nonprofit women’s membership organization provides a place where women can Give back to the community, Grow through both formal and experiential training, and Get Connected to other women.

Since the beginning, the League has been addressing the community’s greatest needs, and shifts as those needs change. JLD volunteers are currently working to disrupt the cycle of systemic poverty for women and families in Denver through signature programs like Read2Kids, Done in a Day and its L.U.V.S. (Leaders United in Volunteer Service) annual day of service. The League also uplifts Denver residents through its community granting program and ongoing partnerships with fellow nonprofits like The Gathering Place, We Don’t Waste and many others. The League has a group of members that focus on nonpartisan advocacy at the Capitol, supporting legislation that relates to the League’s community focus.

Ok, back to the famous cookbooks. In 2019, while celebrating its 100th anniversary, the League released its sixth cookbook, Centennial Celebrations. This gorgeous book includes more than 200 thoroughly tested recipes for every season and occasion. The creative menus, recipes and entertaining tips inspire readers to cook, connect and celebrate with family and loved ones. Additionally, the book features both Denver and League history, so it makes a wonderful gift for out-of-town guests that love all things Colorado. The best part? Proceeds support our beloved community. And that is something we all agree is worthy of our time.

Learn more about the Junior League of Denver here.

Content for this article provided by Junior League of Denver.