Rising Lights Events
Donor Appreciation Party
We invite all Rising Lights donors to join us as we kick off our month of gratitude. Let us celebrate you - our incredible and generous donors - at Brother Chimp Brewing.
2026 marks 5 years of Rising Lights - and this year has been a big one!
From expanding our staff to allow us deliver Rising Adult programs every day of the week, increasing our Rising Parent network and impact on both moms and dads, and launching a sibling support group - we have much to celebrate.
So please, join us for a drink from Brother Chimp, and some snacks from Fernando’s. Meet fellow supporters, and celebrate the impact you have made on Rising Lights this year.
We have accomplished so much, thanks to you - and there’s more to come in 2027!
Coffee & Connection (Rising Moms)
Please register so we can get a headcount for reservation!
Fossil-Making with SciTech (14 and under)
Join us for a fun day of looking at artifacts and making our own fossils!
Momsgiving (Rising Moms)
Please register so we can get a headcount for the reservation!
Coffee & Connection (Rising Moms)
Please register so we can get a headcount for reservation!
Dinner at Burnt Barrel Social (Rising Moms)
Please register so we have a headcount for reservation!
Nonprofit Leaders- The Nonprofit Huddle
Nonprofit Leaders.
The Nonprofit Huddle is for leaders and staff across our community, creating a dynamic group that regularly hosts meaningful networking and learning experiences for nonprofit staff and board members.
Join Rising Lights Project and The Hope & Grace Foundation for the Launch of The Nonprofit Huddle
Your End of Year Campaign is about so much more than Giving Tuesday!
Our first Nonprofit Huddle will be held on Monday, October 19th at Rising Lights Project. After a quick meet-and-greet, we'll be joined by Empowered Nonprofits for a session on building an integrated End-of-Year Campaign that fits into your larger annual fundraising strategy.
Stefanie, founder and CEO of Empowered, has over 30 years of consulting experience with nonprofits just like ours. She will explore the donor stewardship cycle, pre-campaign engagement, effective solicitation, and how to use storytelling and data that connects both the head and the heart.
We hope you'll come away with new nonprofit connections and friends, and ideas you can put into action to strengthen your End of Year campaign.
Please RSVP below. Light snacks will be provided
We're excited to meet everyone and learn from each other!
Dads Night Out (2026)
Join us for a night of indoor golf, food, bevs and great conversation!
Social Club - Tues. 10/13/26 - Hayride, Line Dancing & Bonfire at Weathered Ways
See Social Club Page- Sign-Up- Social Club — Rising Lights Project
Coffee & Connection (Rising Moms)
Please register so we can get a headcount for reservation!
Social Club- Chi-Cuterie
See Social Club Page- Sign-Up- Social Club — Rising Lights Project
Social Club - Friday 10/2/2026 - Rodeo at RLP Homebase
See Social Club Page- Sign-Up- Social Club — Rising Lights Project
Social Club- Movie Sing Along
See Social Club Page to Sign-Up- Social Club — Rising Lights Project
Sensory Movie- Cars 20th Anniversary (14 and under)
Please register for each person attending! Space in this theater is limited.
2026 Annual Harvest Party
Annual Harvest Party
We’re excited to celebrate another successful garden season together. Enjoy a delicious farm‑to‑table dinner prepared by Mary Zupke, The Garden Plate, and our incredible Rising Lights volunteers.
Mary has been collecting produce from the garden all summer to create a true harvest‑inspired meal for our RLP adult families. Our garden is such a special space, and we’re thrilled to share it with all of you as we celebrate the hard work, growth, and community that made this season so meaningful.
A special thanks to Molly Knight, our Garden Program Staff, our amazing Friday volunteers, Danielle Stojan from the Illinois Extension & Todd from Plandscape for making our garden a very special space!
Dinner at moto imoto (Rising Moms)
Please register so we have a headcount for reservation!
Social Club- Fox Den
See Social Club page to sign-up- Social Club — Rising Lights Project
Move-A-Thon (Fundraising
The Movethon is moving! Due to inclement weather it will now be held at Field House by the Fox, 1920 Dean Street, St Charles
Join us for our first Move-A-Thon on Saturday, September 19 from 11am - 2pm.
Get together with friends and family for an afternoon of moving your body for a cause! Tickets, sponsorships and tabling opportunities are available by clicking the button below.
Tickets include an event t-shirt and an afternoon of fun and fundraising - dance, yoga, fitness, sports and more! You can also get sponsored to move and raise additional funds for Rising Lights. Check out the event website for more information and to sign up.
The Move-a-Thon is family friendly, with tiered ticket prices for Rising Adults and children. The event will provide individuals of all abilities and ages the opportunity to move their bodies in ways that work for them, while raising critical funds to support Rising Lights Project's programs and services.
Let’s Move!
Webinar- Behavior 101
This will be a webinar- link will be sent to you on Monday- 9/14/26
Laurel Daly is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with children with developmental disabilities and their families. She provides parent training, consultation, and individualized one-on-one behavior support tailored to each family's unique needs.
Revved Up for Rising Lights: Car Show - FREE for spectators!
Revved Up for Rising Lights!
Join us for Revved Up for Rising Lights, a charity car show supporting Rising Lights Project and our inclusive programs for individuals impacted by disability. Whether you're showing off your classic, custom, muscle, import, truck, or motorcycle, or just coming to enjoy an afternoon of amazing vehicles, there's something for everyone!
Car Entry
$15 pre-registration/$20 day of the show
Spectators: FREE!
Enjoy:
Food & drinks
Music
50/50 raffle
Car raffle of a Vintage Triumph Spitfire
Awards, family fun, and more!
Every dollar raised helps Rising Lights Project create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect, grow and thrive in our community.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make a difference - one car at a time!
Coffee & Connection (Rising Moms)
Please register so we can get a headcount for reservation!
Social Club-09/09/26-Rookies
Social Club: 18 years old+
Join us for dinner and bingo at Rookies Sports Bar in St. Charles, IL! During this outing, Rising Adults will practice ordering and paying skills. Please have participants bring money for their meal. Rising Lights will cover the cost of drinks.
About Social Club: Social Club is an evening program by Rising Lights Project designed to offer age‑appropriate opportunities for adults to learn, laugh, thrive, and engage with peers and the community. Each event focuses on building independence, confidence, and meaningful social connections.
Let's Visit Primrose Farm (14 and under)
Please just register for child(ren) attending!
Summer Send-Off (Rising Parents)
Come join us at The Office for a night of fun! We will be in a private room upstairs. Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, cash bar.
Sibling Group- Session 4 (Ages 12-15)
The first hour will be activities and conversation led by Alexis Rhodes. The final 30 minutes will be for kids to enjoy some pizza and hang out in our game room.
Please reach out to tessam@risinglightsproject.org with any questions
