This year’s event will feature live music by Steve Rea and The Stray Trio, food by Hungry Hippie, an open bar, a ticketed raffle, and much more. The Sunset Project staff will present their annual year-in-review keynote, highlighting the incredible work accomplished throughout their most recent fiscal year.

“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the work we have done over the past year,” said Nick Poli, creative director for The Sunset Project. “It’s a chance for the community to come connect and meet other like-minded people.”

The fundraiser will give attendees more exposure to the programs available in Northeast Michigan.

“We want to show people where their dollars are going,” Poli said.

Courtesy Photo Gavin MacDonald, executive director for The Sunset Project, speaks at last year’s Brighter Horizons fundraiser, held at The Depot on Fletcher Street in Alpena. This year’s event is Saturday at The Depot.

Tickets are $75 per person. For questions regarding the event, ticketing, or available sponsorship opportunities, email info@thesunsetproject.org.

“Last year, we raised $30,000 at this event, which is incredible,” said Gavin MacDonald, executive director for The Sunset Project. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it really fuels our ability to do projects in the coming year. As far as private funding, it is our bread and butter.”

“Founded in 2021 by three lifelong friends, The Sunset Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to investing in the betterment of Northeast Michigan through creative-based and mental health programs,” a description on The Sunset Project’s website explains. “Inspired by the loss of their friend, Sawyer Boyd, these three individuals committed themselves to finding unique ways to promote mental health awareness and facilitate creative-based change across Northeast Michigan.”

The three friends who started The Sunset Project are Poli, MacDonald, and Kevin O’Brien (Northeast Michigan Wellness Initiative program director).

The Sunset Project has developed three core programs focused on improving the region and its communities:

∫ Launched in 2022, the Northeast Michigan Wellness Initiative (NEMWI) is The Sunset Project’s mental health-focused program working to raise awareness, end stigmas, and provide education through the implementation of in-school programming and involvement in various community events.

∫ The Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant is The Sunset Project’s lead creative advancement opportunity for aspiring youth ages 16 to 23, providing individuals with the purchase of goods and/or services to expand their creative passion, hobby, or career.

Boyd was an exceptionally creative individual from the greater Northeast Michigan region who had a passion for photography, videography, art, cartography, and beyond. Tragically, he took his own in the fall of 2016, leaving behind the memories of his creative passions and abilities. Through The Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant, The Sunset Project hopes to keep those memories alive and channel them into a driving force for the betterment of Northeast Michigan’s creative youth.

∫ FOCUS45 is The Sunset Project’s creative-based program focused on the development, implementation, and support of culturally enriching and placemaking projects in Northeast Michigan. The FOCUS45 Program works to make our communities a better place to live, work, and recreate. FOCUS45 currently houses a number of individual and recurring projects, all of which use creative placemaking strategies as the catalyst for positive change across Northeast Michigan.

O’Brien will speak on NEMWI at the event, and Boyd’s mother and board member Amy Swinson will also be speaking.

“Our programs and projects touch all corners of our seven-county service area,” Poli said.

Platinum Level sponsors of The Sunset Project include: Bryan Strong Edward Jones and Watershed Wealth. Gold Level sponsors are: Stanson Floor Covering and Furniture, Werth Electric, and Alpena Community Credit Union. Silver Level sponsors include: Thunder Bay Eye Care, HPC Credit Union, and 105.7 The Bird. Bronze Level sponsors are Remax — New Horizons, Besser Company, Alpena Beverage, Taylor Agius Shine Bright Fund, Michigan Confidential Document Destruction, Alpena Power Company, Colburn Outfitters, Nicolet National Bank, Chaucas Hats, Harborside Cycle + Sport, Wolverine State Credit Union, Jackie Krawczak LLC, and Irving Entertainment.