The Anchor Center Celebrates 2025 Sunset in the City

This year’s 29th Annual Sunset in the City fundraiser benefiting the Anchor Center for Blind Children honored the Class of 2025 including preschool children and Anchor Center alumni high school grads who completed Anchor Center programming.

The signature event, held at ReelWorks, also honors the organization’s achievements, parents and children, Anchor alumni and many community supporters. Emceed by 9News reporter Steve Staeger, the event provided another fun-filled evening complete with heartfelt stories of children with visual impairments now pursuing active and fulfilling lives.

9News reporter Steve Staeger shares the Anchor Center’s stories and mission

This year’s preschool grads are Bentley, Charlie, Olivia, Rowen, Winnie, and Connor. Keynote speaker Michaela Wright shared her story about the successful pathway for her son Connor. “We went from scared and uncertain to happy and hopeful—all because of the Anchor Center’s teachers, therapists, and support,” she said. Among the Anchor Center alumni who graduated high school this year are: Carlie, Julianna, Hallie, and Caden.

The Anchor Center provides early intervention and education services, therapy, and family coaching to foster the full potential of children who are visually impaired and blind. Scientists tell us that the majority of our perception or roughly 80% of our learning and activity is mediated through vision. And a large portion of what we learn, remember, and understand is connected to visual input.

Keynote speaker Michaela Wright described the successful journey of her son who has made use of Anchor Center programs

According to Anchor Center Executive Director Meghan Klassen, 90% of brain development happens before age 5—when children’s brains are most adaptable and when intervention is most important. Anchor Center programs help set children up for success in elementary school and beyond.

The Anchor Center has been a pioneer in providing comprehensive services for children from birth to five years old who are blind or visually impaired. It all began more than 40 years ago with the Delta Gamma sorority. Through its Denver Alumnae Chapter and in keeping with its “Service for Sight” philanthropy, Delta Gamma founded the Center in 1982. Today, the Center’s programs are a testament to the sorority’s commitment to supporting the visually impaired community.

Linda and John Bell

This year’s Visionary Sponsors were made in memory of Mark D. Yaron and the Davis family. The Champion Sponsor was Cheryl and Bruce Blankenship. Special thanks to Anchor Center volunteers, Office Manager Michael Barla, staff, board, Dinah Sink, the Mark Yaron Family, and Steve Staeger.

Creative table sponsor teams enjoy producing a unique theme for dozens of centerpieces. Among some favorites were the orange and navy Denver Broncos centerpiece complete with NFL goal posts; the “Cat in the Hat” red and white motif; and even a mysterious and intriguing James Bond/007 setting.

For those interested in volunteering, donating or hosting a table at next year’s 2026 Sunset in the City please contact Savannah Wippel at 303-377-9732 x156 or email swippel@anchorcenter.org. For additional information please visit www.anchorcenter.org