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. 13-14.

New items from dozens of local retailers will be offered at deep discounts during the sale. Participating retailers include Belle Chambre, Campus Collection, JnJ Apparel, Woods and Water, Confetti Interiors, Effie’s, Hudson Poole Jewelers, Part Two, .swag, The Locker Room, Kyle Fine Stationery and more.

The two-day event will take place at the RISE Center located at 600 Johnny Stallings Drive.

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

The fundraiser kicks off Sept. 13 with a preview party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. where items may be  purchased at 75% off the lowest marked prices. The preview will be catered by Hoo’s Q, Pastor’s Kitchen, International Wines and Adams Beverages.

Tickets will be available in advance for $10, at the door for $15, and they can be purchased at the RISE Center.

Admission to the Sept. 14 general sale is free, and items are discounted 90%. The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

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 100 children, over 50% with 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 also serves as a practicum and internship site for students from UA and other colleges.