UA’s RISE Center Hosts BUY for RISE Fundraiser

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s RISE Center will host its annual Buy for RISE fundraiser Sept. 14-15.

The two-day event will feature new items offered at deep discounts from dozens of local retailers like Belle Chambre, Campus Collection, JnJ Apparel, Woods and Water, Confetti Interiors, Effie’s, Hudson Poole Jewelers, Lady in Lace, Market House, The Locker Room, Wagner’s Shoes for Kids and more.

A preview night and silent auction will take place at the RISE Center, located at 600 Johnny Stallings Drive, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14.

The Sept. 14 evening event will be catered by Hoo’s Q, Pastor’s Kitchen, International Wines and Adams Beverages. Tickets will be available in advance for $10 and at the door for $15, and can be purchased at the RISE Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase items at 75 percent off the lowest marked prices.

Admission to the general sale Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. is free, and items are discounted 90 percent.

“RISE is able to provide services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and music therapy, to children with special needs at no cost to the family,” said Bailey Chambers, assistant director of UA’s RISE Center.

The charity sale and silent auction is the school’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. Money raised helps fund the school’s programs.

“We’re able to do that with help from our local community partners, local merchants and those who attend this event. All of the proceeds help RISE continue to provide these vital services to the children who need them,” said Chambers.

The RISE Center, part of UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences, serves children with disabilities and their typically developing peers, from ages 8 weeks to 5 years. The center serves more than 110 children, 60 of which have special needs, in their five-day-a-week program and therapeutic playgroup. The inclusive early childhood education program not only benefits families in the community, but it serves as a practicum and internship site for students from UA and other colleges.