This past April, RYSE hosted our annual Be A Kid! fundraiser! The “Choose Your Frequency” theme of the event invited attendees to tune into the speeds and styles of activities that resonated most with them. The night was curated to resonate with diverse interests and energies we all need (adults and young people) to build community together. Attendees were invited to experience what it’s like to be a kid and the activities offered to young people everyday at RYSE, and together raised more than $74,000 for RYSE’s Youth Emergency Fund.
Participants explored their creativity through Decoden crafting and vision boarding, dreaming big and designing their ideal futures. Those seeking a moment of calm and restoration found solace in our sound bath, while others chose a different frequency to youth-made songs and beats at our silent disco.
The Be a Kid! Fundraiser provided opportunities for self-expression and empowerment. Adults transformed their fears through a symbolic plate-breaking activity, rolled through the campus on roller skates, and got artsy with screenprinting and youth-made stickers. They also engaged in thought-provoking discussions at the “Let's Talk About Sex” cart and the Justice Tea Bar.
What’s a night of joy, creativity, and community without incredible food & music? Reem’s California and Understory*, two award-winning restaurants served up flavors that nourished the soul and fueledl the movement! DJ GoldGills was on the 1’s and 2’s bringing the energy to new heights and getting everyone hyphy and groovin’ on the dance floor.
*Understory is Co-founded by RYSE alumni Jenabi Pareja, who also mentors RYSE’s Food Justice cohort, a paid six-week program where young people explore food equity, build community through shared meals, and gain hands-on kitchen training in essential culinary skills.
Thank you to our revolutionary caterers, Reem’s California and Understory!
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors who made this event such a resounding success. Your generosity and participation made all the difference. We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to supporting RYSE and the youth in our community. Thank you so much for joining our celebration and honoring our commitment to serving young people in Richmond and Contra Costa County!
About our Be a Kid! 2025 Lead Sponsors:
JDC Partnerships
Since before RYSE’s doors opened, JDC Partnerships has worked with RYSE to innovate new ways to reflect and learn from our impacts from an individual, organizational, community and systems level. JDC Partnerships works to support people, organizations, and efforts in deepening their contributions and connections by interrupting habits and investing in different and new practices.
Chamberlin Education Foundation
Chamberlin Education Foundation has long supported RYSE in uplifting young people’s vision and leadership toward a student-centered education ecosystem. This year, CEF also honored Ann, RYSE’s Youth Power Building Coordinator with the Julie Wright Changemaker Award.
John Muir Health
John Muir Health and RYSE have partnered for more than 10 years on the Beyond Violence initiative, a Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program providing coordination and care for young people harmed by gun violence or physical assault. This collaboration also works to address and mitigate the social conditions of violence through prevention and systems transformation.
Constructive Solutions, Inc
Constructive Solutions General Contractors played a key role in the construction of RYSE Commons, bringing the dreams and designs of young people to life. The construction of RYSE Commons expanded RYSE’s physical presence from 6,000 sq. feet to a 45,000 sq. feet campus and Constructive Solutions continues to support ongoing building maintenance.
Kaiser Permanente
Throughout a 75-year history as a nonprofit healthcare organization, Kaiser Permanente has continually made investments to support healthy communities. For over 8 years, Kaiser has engaged in partnership linkages and support of RYSE’s Healing Justice leadership by and for young people in West Contra Costa.
