By Kathy Chouteau
RYSE is hosting its “Be a Kid!” fundraiser on Friday, April 25 from 6-10 p.m. at its youth center in Richmond, offering the community a chance to support critical funds for the nonprofit’s Youth Emergency Fund. The event is for those ages 21 and over.
The Fund has provided essential support to more than 400 youth and their families since it launched in 2020, directly aiding transitional-age youth, youth in foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, as well as young people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence or exploitation.
RYSE said it aims to sustain the fund at $300,000 for 2025 to continue filling social safety net gaps for young people in Richmond and West Contra Costa County.
Under the theme “Choose Your Frequency: Tuning Toward Possibility,” the April event celebrates the different ways in which youth and adults build community together.
Guests will have the chance to check out the various activities on hand at RYSE, in addition to a roller-skating rink, silent auction and food catered by Understory and Reem’s California. Along the way, RYSE said it will be encouraging guests to explore the transformative power of joy, play, and community connection.
“When you make a donation to RYSE, you’re providing resources to young people who need it most. From emergency shelter to school supplies, the Youth Emergency Fund embodies community care for a generation growing up in unprecedented times,” said RYSE’s Co-Founder and Executive Director Kimberly Aceves-Iñiguez.
Tickets for “Be a Kid!” range from $60 for a member/alumnus to $100 for an early-bird single ticket to $340 for a four-ticket bundle. Purchase tickets here or at the door. RYSE is located at 3939 Bissell Ave. in Richmond.
RYSE’s overriding aim is to create safe spaces rooted in social justice that uplift young people to love, learn, educate, heal and transform lives and communities.
