RISE students playing with building blocks

UA RISE Center Hosts 20th BUY for RISE Fundraiser Oct. 27-28

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama RISE Center will host the 20th BUY for RISE fundraiser Oct. 27-28 and will feature 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, raising 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 and more.

The annual fundraiser kicks off with a preview party on Oct. 27 where attendees will have the opportunity to purchase items at significant discounts — 75% off the lowest marked prices. The event will take place at the RISE Center, located at 600 Johnny Stallings Dr., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The preview party will include light refreshments, beverages and music for ticket holders. Tickets will be available in advance for $100 for a golden ticket with a 4:30 p.m. entrance, and $10 for a general admission ticket with a 5 p.m. entrance. Tickets can be purchased at the RISE Center or online at the RISE Center’s website.

The general sale on Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. will offer a 90% discount on items and is free to attend.

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

“RISE Center is looking forward to celebrating BUY for RISE’s 20th year,” said Bailey Chambers, RISE Center assistant director. “For two decades and counting, merchants in the Tuscaloosa community have generously donated to this annual fundraiser. We are thankful for their continued support to make this a successful event. The funds raised from BUY for RISE help ensure that 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 disabilities, 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.


The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Contact

Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, bryant.welbourne@ua.edu, 205-348-8325