Decade of Empowerment: Reflecting on #RISE10year

Can you believe it’s already been a week since we celebrated a decade of unity, inspiration, and community transformation at our #RISE10year event? On a Tuesday night that threatened rain but couldn’t dampen our spirits, we gathered to make history at the iconic Houdini Plaza in Downtown Appleton, WI. We couldn’t be more thankful as we look back on the remarkable moments and the incredible community that joined us.

A Remarkable Tuesday Night

Picture the scene: the sky overhead threatened rain, but our spirits remained undaunted. It was a Tuesday night, and our community showed up in full force. Diablos Taco Truck served a great Taco Tuesday, and the raffle buzzed excitedly. Kids and adults alike embraced the spirit of togetherness. Our MC, Big Jake, fueled by infectious enthusiasm, welcomed everyone, and gratitude flowed freely as we revisited the inspiring journey of RISE TOGETHER.

Looking Back with Gratitude

At the heart of our #RISE10year celebration was the presence of incredible individuals who have played a pivotal role in our journey of empowerment and inspiration. One such remarkable figure was Ronna Yablonski, Senior Director of SAFE Choices at SAFE Project and an integral part of our newly-formed partnership with RISE TOGETHER.

Ronna’s attendance at our 10th Anniversary Celebration symbolized a momentous coming together of two organizations, both dedicated to youth prevention efforts. It signified a decade of unwavering commitment to our shared mission and the promise of a brighter, stigma-free future. With our missions aligned, we stand united in the pursuit of ending the stigma surrounding crucial issues through education, engagement, and the empowerment of our youth.

Her presence and words resonated deeply, setting the tone for an evening filled with hope, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we look back on that incredible night, we’re reminded that our journey of empowerment and inspiration is an ongoing one, and together with partners like SAFE Project, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

A Historic Moment: The Mayor’s Proclamation

One of the most historic moments of the evening was the reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation. It was a testament to the power of community and the impact of RISE TOGETHER. We are thankful for the recognition of our shared mission.

In recognition of the vital importance of promoting social and economic well-being within the City of Appleton, Mayor Jacob A. Woodford has proclaimed September as “Recovery Month.” This proclamation acknowledges the pressing need to address addiction issues affecting young people and their families, emphasizing that over 90% of those struggling with addiction began using substances before 18, creating a public health crisis.

The proclamation underscores the collective effort required to secure the necessary resources to support at-risk youth and their families in obtaining crucial services. It also highlights the significant contributions of RISE TOGETHER, which has empowered and educated over 275,000 Wisconsin youth in promoting mental health awareness and combating addiction over the past decade.

In the face of an addiction pandemic, this proclamation encourages the community to reaffirm its commitment to prevention and recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting our youth’s well-being through prevention education and activities.

Celebrating Street Art with @Metul_Eattr

In honor of RISE TOGETHER’s mission, we had the privilege of showcasing an incredible street art mural created by the talented @Metul_Eattr, also known as Trent. Words can’t express our gratitude for his artistic contribution to this year’s event.

Trent’s masterpiece captured the essence of RISE TOGETHER’s mission, and we’re thrilled to have it as part of our celebration. We’re eagerly looking forward to finding its next home where it can continue to inspire and empower.

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Boldt, who provided the mural wall for this amazing creation. Your support has been invaluable, and we couldn’t have achieved this without you.

Together, through the power of art and community, we’re making a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to see where Trent’s incredible mural will inspire next.

Brooklyn’s Inspirational Voice

Brooklyn, an exceptional student from Seymour High School, graced the stage at the #RISE10year event, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Her passionate speech highlighted the profound inspiration she drew from RISE TOGETHER, an organization she has been inspired by for over seven years.

Brooklyn’s journey with RISE began in 2017 when we first visited her school. Struck by our mission, she committed herself to combatting the drug epidemic that had touched her life and those around her. Over the years, she volunteered, advocated, and lent her voice to numerous events, maintaining her connection to the RISE team. The #RISE10year celebration marked a significant milestone as it was the first time she had the honor of speaking alongside the organization that had become her enduring source of inspiration.

Her presence at the event, coincidentally falling on her father’s birthday, was a powerful testament to the transformative impact of storytelling. Brooklyn’s journey exemplifies how we empower and inspire young individuals like her to become beacons of hope and change in their communities, creating a brighter future for all.

Honoring Our Sponsors and Looking Forward

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible #RISE10year sponsors. Your unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in our success.

Special thanks to organizations like CWCustomExteriors.Com, Razor Wisconsin, SAFE Project, Faith Technologies, and individual supporter Melissa Hollis.

A big shout-out to Shark Studio for their sound production expertise.

We also appreciate the contributions of Blue Lotus Massage, LLC, The Boldt Company, Heid Music, Start Healing Now, Diablos Taco Truck, Wisconsin Voices For Recovery, Rogers Behavioral Health, We Energies, Woodward Radio Group, Hype Visual, Appleton Downtown, Festival Foods, and The Marek Group.

Your support has made a lasting impact on our community, and for that, we are truly grateful. Together, we continue to inspire and empower.

Celebrating Community Champions

Throughout the evening, we celebrated our community champions. The Community Impact Awards recognized those who have made a profound difference.

The Community Impact Awards continued to shine a light on organizations like CAHL, Appleton West, LMS Voice, Roger’s, and SHN for their remarkable contributions. We are thankful for their dedication to positive change

The Power of Spoken Word

Alex Schotten and Joseph Green aka LMS Voice graced the stage with their spoken word performances, igniting conversations and reflections. We are thankful for their artistry and how they captured our mission through their words.

Musical Madness with Franki Jo and Crucial Moves Band

Franki Jo’s soulful performance and the electrifying music of the Crucial Moves Band added a musical dimension to our celebration. We are grateful for the joy they brought to the night.

JD & Cutter’s Farewell

JD & Cutter’s Classic Band, despite the rain preventing them from performing the finale of the #RISE10year celebration as originally planned, exemplified their steadfast support. They graciously stayed with us, offering words of encouragement and friendship to the RISE team. Their presence and commitment to our continued mission are deeply appreciated. Here’s to making an even greater difference together next year, rain or shine!

Celebrating Raffle Winners and Fond Farewells

As we announced the raffle ticket winners the next day. Fond farewells were exchanged as we bid adieu to another unforgettable RISE TOGETHER celebration.

One week has passed, and we continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who joined us on that Tuesday night, almost rained out but never deterred. As we look forward to the future, we carry the spirit of unity and inspiration with us.

Stay tuned for updates on our future events and initiatives, including the 2024 annual concert and celebration scheduled for September 12th in an indoor venue.