Shoppers in Tuscaloosa will soon get a shot at steep retail discounts while supporting early childhood education. The University of Alabama RISE Center is gearing up for its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser, scheduled for November 6 and 7.
The two-day event features brand-new inventory donated by dozens of local retailers. Items up for grabs range from clothing to home décor, offering deep price cuts.
Local Businesses Join November 6 Preview Party
Participating local businesses include Effie’s, Lou and Co, Bossi, Wonderfully Made, Confetti Interiors, Part Two, Bradley’s Market, and Alexandra’s, among others. The event kicks off on the evening of November 6 with an exclusive preview party running from 5 to 8 p.m. at the RISE Center, located at 600 Johnny Stallings Drive.
Ticket holders attending the preview night can purchase merchandise marked down by 75% off the lowest marked prices. Admission requires a ticket, with options including a $100 golden ticket granting early entry at 4:30 p.m. and a $20 general admission ticket starting at 5 p.m. Refreshments and beverages are included for attendees, and tickets can be bought ahead of time at the center or through the official RISE Center website.
The public general sale follows on the morning of November 7, running from 8 to 11 a.m. Admission is free, and items are discounted 90%.
Funding Inclusive Early Education
As the school’s second-largest fundraiser of the year, BUY for RISE directly supports the school’s programs. Riane Sullivan, assistant director of the RISE Center, emphasized the community-driven nature of the event.
“BUY for RISE continues to be a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together to support children,” Sullivan said. “We are incredibly grateful to the local businesses and community members who make this annual event possible through their generosity. Every dollar raised helps RISE provide vital services and educational opportunities to children with varying abilities at no cost to their families.”
Operating under the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, the RISE Center provides inclusive early childhood education and therapeutic playgroups. The facility serves roughly 100 children ranging from eight weeks to five years old, with over half of the enrolled children presenting varying abilities in a five-day-a-week program.
Beyond serving local families, the center operates as a training ground, functioning as a practicum and internship site for students across the University of Alabama and other colleges.
