On Saturday, October 11, SafeHouse Denver hosted its annual Hope Gala, Power of Purple: A Glow for Hope, bringing the community together in the heart of the city to stand in support of survivors of domestic violence. Serving as the organization’s largest annual fundraising event, the gala is also a collective expression of compassion and strength. The celebration honors those who are in the process of rebuilding their lives, as well as those who walk alongside them. This year’s gala drew a crowd of over 200 attendees, and raised enough funds to support 150 survivors on their journeys through SafeHouse’s emergency shelter.
Held in the Denver Art Museum’s Sturm Grand Pavilion, the gala provided an opportunity for community members and supporters to gather and celebrate SafeHouse Denver’s 48-year impact. With live entertainment and thoughtful experiential elements—including music by DJ Bedz and custom-made centerpieces featuring artwork by SafeHouse Denver staff member, advocate, and artist Mary Glittenberg—the night was designed to lift up survivors’ voices, while also encouraging each other for the ongoing, critical work ahead.
“Right now, everyday, people across the country are experiencing increasing levels of stress and uncertainty,” shared Development Director Natalie Martinez during the opening remarks. “At the same time, government and nonprofit funding is being cut drastically. We know that these conditions mean SafeHouse’s services are needed more than ever.”
Guests, who were asked to wear purple—the nationally recognized color of domestic violence—enjoyed food and drink in the purple-hued Pavilion, and were invited to bid on a range of product offerings and entertainment/travel experiences through the silent and live auction, led by emcee Dani Dotterosa. A Denver Nuggets basketball signed by the team, self-care packages for massages and facials, a week-stay in Steamboat Springs, and a 34-bottle Wine Cellar were the crowd favorites.
The event was made possible through the dedicated work of SafeHouse staff, board, and volunteers, and the generosity of 13 sponsors, including MasTec Advanced Technologies, Sloane’s Carpet Secret, Womble Bond Dickinson, and Wana Brands Foundation, who each gave at the Hope Sponsors level.
To round out the program, board chair Jill Peterson spoke to the heart of why community support remains integral to SafeHouse Denver’s mission. “When someone walks through our doors, calls our crisis and information line, or joins one of our counseling groups—they aren’t alone,” she shared. “They have an entire community standing behind them. They have you. Every person who turns to SafeHouse for help is greeted by people—people like you—who will stand behind them, lifting them up, helping them heal, and walking with them toward safety and hope.”
