ReelWorks Denver again served as host of the 2024 Sunset in the City, a unique signature fundraiser for Anchor Center for Blind Children that honors the organization’s achievements, parents and children, Anchor alumni and many community supporters.
Special thanks went to Daniel Feinstein and Sarah McCarthy and the ReelWorks Denver team for supporting and hosting this exciting event. Emcees Danielle Grant of Denver7 and Steve Staeger of 9News presided over the event featuring a silent and live auction and person stories from students and alumni.
Founded in 1982, 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. The center’s mission is to provide early intervention education and support to help these children reach their full potential.
Founded 28 years ago as A Day in the Country picnic, the event evolved into Sunset in the City and has grown to include more than 400 guests who gather for cocktails, dinner and live entertainment every year.
This year’s guests enjoyed a special video, “Seeing With My Hands,” from Anchor Alumnus Hallie Kemp. Later, Anchor Center Board President Chic Naumer and his daughter, Claire–an Anchor Center alumnus. In addition, Andrew and Stephanie Gordon spoke about their experiences with Anchor Center and their children graduates, Oliver and Edward.
Former Colorado first lady Frances Owens and Anchor Community Relations Manager attended with John and Monica Owens Beauprez. Also on hand were key supporters: Bruce and Cheryl Blankenship; Mike and Wendee Crowley; Stephanie and Andrew Gordon; Robert and Yvette Keyser; Chic and Marlo Naumer; Dr. Anna Steele; Jeff and Tanya Watkins and many other supporters. Special thanks to Dr. Lauren Mehner, with the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus; Dr. Anna L. Steele from Children’s Eye Physicians; Four Seasons Hotel Denver and Cherry Creek Magazine.
For those interested in hosting a table at next year’s 2025 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
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- Heather Taziri-Blackham, Genevieve Miller, Sarah McCartney, Melissa Morris
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- Monica Owens Beauprez with First Lady and Community Relations Manager Frances Owens
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- Creative centerpieces mark the signature event
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- Bidding remained steady throughout the night
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- Jason Keefe, Matt Klieforth
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- The Sunset in the City gala celebration is more than 25 years old
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- Cheryl Blankenship and Event Manager Dinah Sink
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- Erin Lovely, Mary Ann and Frank Platte
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- Janet and Patrick Gleason
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- Multigenerational guests support the Anchor Center
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- Creative centerpieces represented various themes
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- Tom and Mary Rogers
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- Alysun Wintz, Cristin Sullenberg
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- Douglas Reeb, Brian Musfeldt, Robert Sshaefer
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- From any angle the Anchor Center gala shines
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- Silent auction reps circulated the room
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- Deciding on a good silent auction bid takes time
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- Dalena Dinh, Kay Ray
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- Dr. Ann Somers, Wendee Crowley
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- Decisions, decisions…
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- Rich and Toni Lovato
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- Lauren Crandall, Anne Miller
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- Anchor Center Executive Director with friends and supporters
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- Emcees Daniel Grant and Steve Staeger kept guests on point
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- Special Thanks to individual and corporate sponsors
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- Shout Out! to volunteers, donors, table hosts and other supporters
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- The Dynamic Duo from Denver7 and 9News made sure to recognize donors, hosts, supporters and volunteers
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- Table Sponsors Kathy and Adam Kemp
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- Sunset in the City has been held for more than 20 years
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- Anchor Center Board President and Parent Chic Naumer
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- One of many innovative centerpieces
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- Anchor Center grad Claire Naumer with Dad: Board President
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- This is the 28th year for Sunset in the City
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- Silent auction items were quite popular
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- Checking out auction items
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- Something for everyone at the Anchor Center gala
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- The annual gala is a great time to hang out with friends
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- ReelWorks served as host of the evening
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- A wide variety of silent auction items
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- More than 250 guests supported the gala
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- Unique table centerpieces were produced by hardworking volunteers
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- The painting of Nuggets MVP Jokic was painted by David Gonzalez
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- Neatly packaged auction items sold quickly
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- Delta Gamma alumni number more than 200 chapters nationwide
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- Colorado Alumni Members of Delta Gamma or DG supported the event
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- Delta Gamma members Megan Gerrard, Heidi Wilderman of Delta Gamma
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- For the past few years Grant and Staeger have hosted the annual gala
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- Live Auctioneer Jim Berz kept the action going
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- The 30×30 acrylic painting of Nuggets MVP Nikola Jokic by David Gonzales sold quickly
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- Jason Keefe, Jasmine, Matt Klieforth
