2024 Year In Review

Alpena, Michigan | October 1, 2023 - January 27, 2024

Hosted in partnership with the Thunder Bay International Film Festival, the Sanctuary Selections Film Competition kicked off its first year in 2024 with a sold-out viewing of 5 Great Lakes regional films.

The evening included a catered meet-and-greet reception, live Q&A sessions from filmmakers, and the presentation of a $5,000 check for the winning film Toxic Art by Jason Whalen and Chris Zuker.

Tickets are now available for the 2025 Sanctuary Selections Film Competition, which will be hosted at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan on January 25, 2025.

For more information, and to buy your tickets, please visit thesunsetproject.org/sanctuaryselections

Alpena, Michigan | March 11 - May 3, 2024

Partnering with Alpena Community College's PLS 222 State and Local Government course, this survey hoped to uncover new insights into the wants and needs of Northeast Michigan.

The Sunset Project participated in the distribution and data collection efforts, while Alpena Community College students developed questions and provided presentations to public officials, developmental leaders, and community members.

For more information on survey development and results, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/survey-results

Rogers City, Michigan | August 3 & 4, 2024

After making its regional debut at the Sanctuary Selections Film Competition in January, Marqueetown returned to Northeast Michigan to benefit Rogers City's historic downtown theatre.

The film toured across Michigan in 2024, raising thousands of dollars through ticket sales and concessions to support more than 20 community theatres. The Sunset Project helped organize this screening in partnership with the Presque Isle District Library.

For more information on the film and future screenings, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/marqueetown.

Alpena, Michigan | August 5-16, 2024

2024 marked the second consecutive year The Sunset Project has partnered with the Alpena Downtown Development Authority to expand their already successful Fresh Waves Mural Project through additional funding and project management services.

After months of coordination and nearly two weeks of painting, Grand Rapids-based muralist George Eberhardt III completed his 550+ sq ft. piece on the side of Clem's Bait & Tackle in Alpena, Michigan.

For more information on this project and its partners, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-fresh-waves-finish

Alpena, Michigan | October 1 - November 23, 2024

Celebrating its third year, the FOCUS45 Amateur Photography Contest saw another incredible turnout from individuals aged 14-77 representing all counties of our service region.

With more than 50 photo submissions, more than 500 public voters, over $2,500 in prizes from B&H Photo, and 40+ Awards Presentation attendees, 2024 proved to be one of the most successful yet!

For more information on this project and to see the winning submissions, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024f45apc

Traverse City, Michigan | December 8, 2024

Created in 2017, The Boardman Review is a creative culture and outdoor lifestyle journal featuring stories about the Northern Michigan region’s creatives, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and outdoor enthusiasts.

As this issue's official nonprofit partner, The Sunset Project was given the opportunity to publish a 1500-word feature discussing the organization's origin story, its growth, and the work it continues to do across Northeast Michigan.

For more information on the partnership, and to purchase a copy of this quarter's issue, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/boardmanreview

Beck Leavesley is an aspiring author from Alpena, Michigan working to self-publish her first novel in Summer 2025.

Beck utilized her funding to hire a professional editor for her work, hoping to gain valuable feedback before a final draft is ready for publication.

For more information on Beck, her journey, and more, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-sjbcg-beck-leavesley

Maddie Linton is a multi-talented creative from Alpena, Michigan with a passion for dance and a desire to further her career in the creative arts.

Maddie utilized her funding to purchase a new Macbook, a tool that will be essential to her success as she pursues her further education at Western Michigan University.

For more information on Maddie, her journey, and more, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-sjbcg-maddie-linton

Hannah Tracey is a multi-talented creative from Ossineke, Michigan with a passion for all things photography.

Hannah utilized her funding to purchase a new Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera Kit, which will help her take her photography skills to the next level while pursuing further education at Central Michigan University.

For more information on Hannah, her journey, and more, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-sjbcg-hannah-tracey

Will Meinzinger is a multi-talented creative from Alpena, Michigan looking to expand his talents in music production, videography, and photography.

Will utilized his funding to purchase a new Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera Kit, allowing him to capture photo and video content of all his future creative pursuits.

For more information on Will, his journey, and more, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-sjbcg-will-meinzinger

Lindsay Donajkowski is a multi-medium artist from Alpena, Michigan hoping to hone her creative skills and establish her own business.

Lindsay utilized her funding to purchase a new Epson photo printer, allowing her to create products herself while pursuing further education at Michigan Technological University.

For more information on Lindsay, her journey, and more, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024-sjbcg-lindsay-donajkowski

Alpena & Alcona School Districts | Spring and Fall Semesters

Since 2022, The Sunset Project has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Grand Traverse Chapter to implement its evidence-based Ending The Silence program in high schools across our seven-county service region.

Currently servicing Alpena and Alcona school districts, this 50-minute in-class presentation allows for trained presenters to speak about their personal experiences, answer questions, and provide resources relating to mental health.

To date, the program has reached more than 450 high school students in health classes at Alpena High School, Alcona High School, and ACES Academy.

For more information on Ending The SIlence and NAMI, please visit nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Ending-the-Silence/

Harrisville, Michigan | August 17, 2024

Since 2023, The Sunset Project has partnered with the Huron Endurance and Resources Project (HERP) to jointly promote their annual Bay to Beacon Half Marathon.

Despite some less-than-ideal weather conditions, this year's race set a new record for participants, helping bring awareness to the importance of mental health, exercise, and the outdoors.

For more information on Bay to Beacon, and The Sunset Project's involvement, please visit thesunsetproject.org/post/2024baytobeacon

Service Region Wide | May, 2024

This year, The Sunset Project had the privilege of being the topic of a feature article written by Miya Ingle, reporter for UpNorthLive 7&4 News and long-time friend of Sawyer Boyd.

This feature focused on The Sunset Project's mental health awareness programming, the co-founder's connection to Sawyer Boyd, and how the organization's work is impacting the local communities it serves. 

To see the transcribed version of this feature, please visit UpNorthLive's website at https://upnorthlive.com/news/nation-world/the-sunset-project-shines-a-light-on-the-importance-of-mental-health-help.