UA RISE Center Announces Annual Fundraising Events

Tennis, golf, and silent auction to support early intervention and preschool programs.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:27am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the energy and joy of children playing tennis, conceptually representing the RISE Center's mission to provide accessible therapy services.The RISE Center's annual tennis tournament fundraiser brings the Tuscaloosa community together to support early intervention and therapy services for local children.Tuscaloosa Today

The University of Alabama RISE Center, a nonprofit organization providing therapy services to children in the Tuscaloosa area, has announced the dates for its upcoming annual fundraising events. These include a tennis tournament, golf tournament, and a silent auction with a new live auction component.

Why it matters

The RISE Center is the only location among eight RISE programs nationwide where every child in need of therapy services attends at no cost. Ongoing fundraising efforts are essential to sustaining the program and expanding services to reach more families in the community.

The details

The annual tennis tournament will take place April 10-11 at the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center, with men's and women's doubles on April 10 and mixed doubles on April 11. The cost per team is $100. The RISE Tournament of Champions golf tournament will be held April 16-17 at The Westerfield Club, with a four-person drop-out scramble format. Team registration starts at $3,000 per four-person team. Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams with the best gross and net scores. The CHIP In for RISE silent auction will be held on April 16 from 6-9 p.m. at The University Club, with online bidding opening on April 14. This year, the event will also feature a live auction starting at 7:30 p.m.

  • The annual tennis tournament will take place April 10-11.
  • The RISE Tournament of Champions golf tournament will be held April 16-17.
  • The CHIP In for RISE silent auction will be held on April 16 from 6-9 p.m.

The players

Andi Gillen

Director of the UA RISE Center.

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What they’re saying

“RISE is always looking for new ways to meet the needs of families in our community who would benefit from the therapy services we offer. The number of families seeking services continues to increase beyond our program's current capacity.”

— Andi Gillen, Director of the UA RISE Center

“We believe it is our responsibility to expand the programs we offer. The funds raised at this event will allow us to maintain our high-quality early intervention and preschool program and creatively seek ways to reach more families to give all children the opportunity to meet their maximum potential.”

— Andi Gillen, Director of the UA RISE Center

What’s next

Registration is open for the tennis and golf tournaments, and online bidding for the silent auction will begin on April 14.

The takeaway

The RISE Center's annual fundraising events are crucial to sustaining its free therapy services for children in the Tuscaloosa community and expanding its programs to reach more families in need.