Click this link to purchase tickets to the 30th Gala and more!
Celebrating 30 Years of Impact
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor:
The scholars who discovered confidence and success
The parents who trusted us with their children
The volunteers who gave their time and hearts
The staff and board members who served faithfully
The churches, foundations, businesses, and donors who believed in our mission
The community that helped Rise & Shine become a lasting light for local youth
Thousands of lives have been touched through the love, support, and educational opportunities provided by Rise & Shine over the past 30 years.
And this is only the beginning.
30 Years of Changing Lives
A Legacy That Shines Since 1996
For 30 years, Rise & Shine has been more than an after-school program — it has been a place of hope, opportunity, encouragement, and transformation for the children and families of Transylvania County.
Founded in 1996 during a time of racial division and tension in our community, Rise & Shine was created to bring people together through one powerful mission: investing in children. What began as a vision rooted in compassion and unity has grown into a life-changing organization serving generations of scholars and families.
Today, through academic support, mentoring, guided reading, STEM enrichment, tutoring, summer learning experiences, field trips, arts programming, and community partnerships, Rise & Shine continues to help young people dream bigger, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential.
For three decades, we have remained committed to our mission of enriching children, empowering parents, and encouraging community.
Purchase Ads in the 30th Anniversary Commemorative program!
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DONATE TO THE 30TH SILENT AUCTION
Help Us Celebrate 30 Years of Impact!
Rise & Shine is celebrating 30 years of enriching children, empowering parents, and encouraging community, and we invite local businesses, organizations, and individuals to be part of this milestone celebration by donating items or services to our 30th Anniversary Silent Auction.
The Silent Auction will be held as part of our 30th Anniversary Gala on October 3, 2026, and all proceeds will directly support Rise & Shine's educational and enrichment programs for local children and families.
We are seeking a wide variety of auction items and experiences, including:
Gift certificates and gift cards
Vacation and lodging packages
Restaurant experiences
Professional services
Artwork and handcrafted items
Sports and entertainment tickets
Outdoor adventure experiences
Spa and wellness packages
Home décor and specialty items
Children's activities and family experiences
Themed gift baskets
Unique local products and services
Every donation, large or small, helps us continue providing academic support, literacy development, enrichment opportunities, and family engagement programs for the children we serve.
Donors will be recognized in event materials and during the auction, showcasing your commitment to strengthening our community and investing in the success of local children.
To donate an item or service, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Maurice Jones
Executive Director, Rise & Shine
📧 mjones@riseshine.org
📞 828-884-8121
Thank you for helping us celebrate 30 years of making a difference and for supporting the next generation of scholars, leaders, and community members.
Together, we can ensure that the Rise & Shine legacy continues to shine for years to come.
Join the Celebration
Throughout our 30th Anniversary year, we invite alumni, families, supporters, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate the legacy of Rise & Shine and help us build the future for the next generation.
Together, we are honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future of our children and community.
Rise & Shine
30 Years of Service.
30 Years of Hope.
30 Years of Impact.
A Legacy That Shines.
