Watercolor Whimsy: A Canvas of Volunteerism Award Gala & Retreat

🎉 Join us for Watercolor Whimsy: A Canvas of Volunteerism 🎉

Purchase your ticket now.

Ticket price will increase on 2/1/25.

The Global Volunteer Recognition Program invites you, along with family, friends, and anyone passionate about supporting volunteers, to celebrate the incredible impact of service at the Watercolor Whimsy Gala in beautiful Durango, Colorado! Set against the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, this event is a heartfelt evening dedicated to honoring the inspiring contributions of our volunteers.

Dates - March 6th to March 9th 2025

Host Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango

Hotel Address: 501 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301

Retreat Schedule:

March 6th: Travel day — we recommend arriving early to adjust to Durango's altitude.

March 7th: Watercolor Whimsy Gala

• Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
• Enjoy a formal evening with dinner, awards, and inspiring stories celebrating our incredible volunteers.

March 8th: Soak & Unwind at Durango Hot Springs

• Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• Relax in the natural hot springs; a food truck will be on-site to provide dinner options.

March 9th: Enjoy a Day in the Mountains

• Stay to sightsee and explore the stunning surroundings of Durango. We encourage attendees to take advantage of this opportunity for mental health and self-care.

We recommend arriving on March 6th to allow time to adjust to Durango’s higher altitude and fully enjoy the weekend’s events!

Gala Details:

• Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango
• Theme: Watercolor
• Attire: Formal
• Tickets: $150 - Price will increase on 2/1/25 
• Includes a plated 3 course dinner
• Complimentary soak at Durango Hot Springs on March 8th from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

At the Watercolor Whimsy Gala, all members of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program in attendance will be celebrated for their volunteer contributions. If you earned your President’s Volunteer Service Award you will be able to receive it in person. We will also presenting specialty awards for our members. If you are a member and would like to be recognized with a specialty award the deadline to purchase tickets is January 31st. The evening will feature inspiring stories, special awards, and vibrant décor inspired by watercolor art, reflecting the beauty and dedication of our community. Members of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program attending are encouraged to submit videos and photos showing their volunteer work through WeTransfer to hello@globalvolunteerrecognitionprogram.com for a chance to showcase their efforts during the event.

This event is open to everyone - members, their families, friends, and anyone who wants to show their support for volunteers and the spirit of giving back.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Purchase your ticket below. 

Explore Durango: While you're in town, Durango offers an array of exciting activities to enjoy!

• Historic Downtown Durango: Stroll through charming shops, art galleries, and local eateries.
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Take a scenic train ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains for a memorable experience.
• Hiking & Biking Trails: Explore breathtaking trails at Animas River Trail and San Juan National Forest.
• Purgatory Resort: Just a short drive away, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

How to get to Durango:

Airports - Durango Area Airports

Getting to Durango by air is a breeze! The Durango La Plata County Airport (Airport Code: DRO) is a full-service regional airport with over a dozen daily non-stop flights from Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DW), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and seasonal direct flights to Houston (IAH); with convenient connecting flights from over 300 U.S. cities.

The Durango-La Plata County Airport is located approximately 15 miles southeast of historic downtown Durango and offers service from the following airlines:

American Airlines: Daily direct service from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, and Phoenix, AZ, year-round.

United Airlines: Daily direct service from Denver, CO., year-round

International Airports

Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ)

The closest international airport to Durango, Colorado, is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). There are currently no direct flights from Albuquerque to Durango, however, so rent a car in Albuquerque for the easy 3.5-hour drive north to Durango.

Denver, Colorado (DEN)

Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 360 miles from Durango, Colorado, meaning a drive time of approximately 6.5 hours. While the drive from Denver to Durango is certainly gorgeous, if you choose to forgo time on the road in favor of more time spent in Durango, we don’t blame you! Enjoy the view of the mountains from above on a direct flight from Denver to Durango with United Airlines, which offers daily direct service from Denver to Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO).

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate service in the heart of Durango. We look forward to an unforgettable evening of recognition, community, and celebration!

We’re thrilled to announce AIG Travel Guard as the official travel partner for the Watercolor Whimsy Gala and Retreat! 🌟

Whether you’re traveling near or far to join us, AIG Travel Guard has you covered with peace of mind every step of the way. Their top-notch travel insurance services ensure you can focus on celebrating volunteerism and making memories with our incredible community. 

#WatercolorWhimsy #VolunteerGala #GlobalVolunteerRecognition #CelebrateService

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate service in the heart of Durango. We look forward to an unforgettable evening of recognition, community, and celebration!

#WatercolorWhimsy #VolunteerGala #GlobalVolunteerRecognition #CelebrateService