Who We Are & Our History

Our story began in 1933.

We were founded as “The Junior Arts League of Dallas” when Mrs. Thad Robbins (formerly Miss Betty Duncan), Miss Sarah Alla Hawley Potter, Miss Ann Hancock, Miss Lenora Rose, and Miss Katherine Cary came together to preserve and promote arts and cultural enrichment during the Great Depression.

In 1942, “The League” began organizing formal dances to boost the morale of army officers stationed locally before they would deploy to the frontlines of World War II.

In 1944, our organization found a new name and purpose: The Dallas Cotillion Club (DCC). Our organization focused on social and charitable activities for young women to develop social graces and a philanthropic heart. This also began our tradition of an annual spring fundraiser, with an inaugural Costume Ball.

So began the next chapter of what is now nearly a century of women forming lifelong friendships while engaging in community service to better the Dallas community.

Today, Dallas Cotillion Club is a 501(c)(3) organization that continues this legacy by creating meaningful opportunities for our members to connect, serve, and make a difference. We have continuously maintained our traditions while embracing each new generation. This is notably evident in the legacy of our signature annual spring fundraiser, previously called our annual “Gala” and now known as “The Benefit.”

Dallas Cotillion Club is proud to partner with Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, the leading Dallas nonprofit providing essential services to women and children surviving domestic violence.

For more information about this partnership, review “Beneficiary.”