Music tells a story, and SafeHouse Denver’s 2026 event told a story of hope. On Saturday, September 26, the organization hosted its annual fundraiser, themed Raising Our Voices for Hope, at Asterisk, bringing 180 supporters together to kick off SafeHouse’s 50th anniversary year. Amidst energizing music performances and collaborative art activities, the community raised $130,642 for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
$130,642
raised for survivors
180
supporters in the room
50th
anniversary year begins
Music was the heartbeat of the evening. Headliner Tanya Taylor played a grand piano and took requests from the crowd, with donations accompanying each song. When a gift came in for a request from Chief Development Officer David Grimsland, he took a turn at the keys and brought the house down. The Denver a cappella group Voices Rock performed, and the Denver Police Department’s bagpipers and drummers added memorable fanfare.
Guests also sang at the karaoke booth, created their own album covers, and colored at interactive art stations around the room. The food followed the musical theme, with stations celebrating four music cities: Seattle’s grunge, New York’s hip-hop, Nashville’s country, and LA’s pop.
Between performances, the program turned to the heart of SafeHouse Denver’s mission. CEO Sarah Poulain spoke about the work ahead, and incoming board president Chris Ogden, who takes over as chair in March, shared his personal connection to the cause. A survivor named Cecilia told her story of personal courage being met with compassionate community care at SafeHouse Denver. She expressed gratitude for the support that keeps SafeHouse Denver services accessible for survivors past, present, and future.
To close the night, the paddle raise brought the collective energy to an inspiring high, with attendees showing a huge amount of support across giving levels. SafeHouse is the only agency in Denver offering a full spectrum of domestic violence-specific services for survivors and their children, and its Advocates make that possible. With gala attendees’ support, SafeHouse Denver will be better equipped for the next 50 years of service, while through policy enactment, education, and prevention, the community works toward a day when these services are no longer needed.
Every dollar raised at the event goes directly to fund SafeHouse Denver’s programs, including an emergency shelter, counseling and advocacy center, 24/7 crisis line, and working with public and community agencies to improve the way our systems respond to domestic violence including providing educational programming to prevent future violence.
