UA’s RISE Center Hosts BUY for RISE Fundraiser

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama RISE Center will host its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser Oct. 29 and 30 and will feature numerous bargains from dozens of local retailers on everything from clothing to home décor.

Brand-new items will be offered at deep discounts during the sale, which raises funds for the RISE Center. Local retailers include Effie’s, JnJ, Lou and Co, Bossi, McStitches Embellished Goods, Woods and Water, Confetti Interiors, Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers, Part Two, The Locker Room, Kyle Fine Stationery and more.

The fundraiser kicks off with a preview party Oct. 29 where attendees will have an opportunity to purchase items at significant discounts — 75% off the lowest marked prices. The event will take place at RISE Center, located at 600 Johnny Stallings Drive, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The preview will be catered by Hoo’s Q and Pastor’s Kitchen. Tickets will be available in advance for $25 for a silver ticket with a 5 p.m. entrance, $10 for a general admission ticket with a 6 p.m. entrance and at the door for $15. Tickets can be purchased at the RISE Center.

Admission to the general sale on Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. is free and items are discounted 90%.

BUY for RISE is the school’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. Money raised helps fund the school’s programs.

“RISE Center is thrilled to be having BUY for RISE at the end of October,” said Bailey Chambers, assistant director of the RISE Center. “The Tuscaloosa community and merchants so generously donate to this fundraiser each year and help make it a successful event. The funds raised from BUY for RISE help ensure children with special needs receive services at no cost to the family.”

The RISE Center, part of the UA 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.