Almost 300 guests recently filled the Brazos Hall in downtown Austin for The Rise School of Austin’s Shine for Rise Gala. The joyful evening brought the community together to celebrate Rise students while raising critical funds to support its mission of providing inclusive early childhood education.
Proceeds from the gala help maintain Rise’s low 4:1 student-teacher ratio, fund speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies, and ensure the program remains accessible to families throughout Austin.
The Rise School provides a nurturing environment where children ages 12 months through pre-Kindergarten learn and grow together, regardless of their abilities. Classrooms are intentionally inclusive, with fifty percent neurotypical students and fifty percent students with developmental delays or disabilities, including Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. This balanced approach allows children to learn and grow together while receiving individualized education and therapeutic support needed for the best possible start.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour and featured a world-class magic performance by Rudy Reynoso, one of the nation’s top corporate magicians and keynote speakers. Austin musician Matt Hoopengardner provided live entertainment, while guests enjoyed a wine-and-dine roulette game, photo booth, signature cocktails and mocktails, and a Purse & Clutch Pop-Up Shop.
The Cowboy Auctioneers energized the crowd during an exciting live auction, complemented by a silent auction, both featuring an array of unique and luxurious items that inspired generous bidding.
The program included moving videos celebrating Rise students and an inspiring speech from a Rise parent, who shared how the school’s mission has made a meaningful impact on her family.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when guests joined together to “Light Up the Room,” a symbolic gesture of support for inclusive, high-quality early childhood education for children of all abilities.
The Rise School is committed to providing exceptional early education in a fully inclusive environment. With a dedicated team of early childhood and special education experts and a state-of-the-art facility, Rise prepares every child for kindergarten and beyond, helping them reach their full potential by fostering joy, confidence, and a love of learning.
For more information on how to support The Rise School of Austin, visit www.riseschoolaustin.org.
