SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual Shamrock N' Roll event, hosted by the Rise Up Reno Prevention Network, returns to the Cosmosphere on Friday, March 7, from 7 to 11 p.m.
The fundraiser supports Rise Up Reno Prevention Network and its various programs.
"We are starting to build a lot of our programs up, and obviously, that takes funding," program coordinator John Young said. "We want to reach more kids because we know that with social media and the pressures they face, life isn't getting any easier for them. The Shamrocker is our biggest fundraiser. It's a huge part of that. We revamped it last year with a casino theme inside the Cosmosphere. It was a great success, and it's for a great cause."
Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased online by clicking here.
The event features a live auction, a silent auction, 12 casino tables, a photo booth, food, music, and more.
Rise Up Reno Prevention Network serves area communities in multiple ways.
"Our main goal is to help kids live a happy and healthy life," Orrison said. "We have a youth leadership program, school-based mentoring programs, and suicide prevention initiatives for the entire county."
Young elaborated on the school-based mentoring.
"We have programs in almost all Reno County schools," Young said. "We have a mentoring program where volunteers read with students in grade schools through our 'Read with Me' program. This provides children with valuable one-on-one time. We also have mentors in elementary, middle, and high schools who engage students in positive discussions, assist with schoolwork, and provide guidance. Our mentors help create a strong, positive influence in students' lives."
The program's foundation is to help youth stay away from alcohol and drugs.
"You may wonder why we focus on suicide prevention," Orrison said. "We know that having just one strong, trusted person to talk to can help prevent suicidal thoughts or ideation. That connection can make a life-changing difference."
Those interested in mentoring have several options.
"You can participate in one-on-one mentoring or the 'Read with Me' program, where you assist an entire classroom of students with reading and fluency," Orrison said. "It's a rewarding program where volunteers see students progress throughout the year. And it's only an hour a week. We don't ask for much, but most of our volunteers say they get more out of it than the kids."
For more information about Rise Up Reno Prevention Network, visit RiseUpReno.org.