Save Up Program

The RISE Foundation Save Up program held the 6^th Annual RISE Family Reunion on April 27, 2013. The event was held at the Pink Palace Museum from 5pm until 8pm. (The reunion is always held in a location with a cultural emphasis or where program participants may not have ever had an opportunity to visit.) Attendees were former RISE Save Up graduates, asset owners, and current Save Up program participants. Also in attendance were RISE staff, and RISE Board Members.

 Attendees were given the opportunity to explore the Pink Palace museum and view all of the current exhibits at their own pace. At the conclusion of the museum tour, attendees took a reunion photograph to show their support for RISE and the Save Up program.  After the photo, RISE had a catered dinner prepared for attendees that consisted of finger foods, sandwiches, veggies, and assorted beverages. Each table has a special “Chalkboard” Piggy Bank as the centerpiece with the words “Pay Yourself First” on it. Each attendee signed the piggy bank at their table as a testament that they pay themselves first and are serious about their savings.

 The board chair Mike Bruno made a short motivational speech to attendees, and RISE president Linda Williams also spoke to attendees about the RISE mission and the importance of saving and paying yourself first.

 The Save Up program coordinator then held a brief awards ceremony that recognized the firsts of RISE asset owners for the fiscal year. The categories were First Homeowner, First Computer, First Education, and First Vehicle Purchase. There were also awards given for the first RSVP and a Saver’s Perseverance award was given to Ms. Sandra Parson.