For the last couple of years, Release Aging People In Prison (RAPP) has held an end of year fundraising gala, which SURJ NYC has sponsored and volunteered for. It’s been an amazing opportunity to gather with our partners at RAPP, celebrate the amazing work done over the prior year, and raise money for the work ahead. In addition to the music and drinks, we’ve had the opportunity to hear from RAPP leadership, formerly incarcerated individuals, and directly impacted family members as they reflect on the important work RAPP has done and what lay ahead.
This year, a gala didn't feel quite right, but RAPP still wants to gather in truth, grief, and power, and still needs to fund their work, so they are hosting an Anti-Gala on Wednesday, December 10 at Threes Brewing in Gowanus. You can get tickets to attend here, and you can contribute to SURJ NYC's sponsorship of the gala here. We're hoping to sponsor the anti-gala at the $2,500 level and we’ve raised just under $400 to date. Can you help us reach our goal?
In addition to attending the gala and spending time with both RAPP and SURJ NYC members, we have another opportunity to gather and connect on Sunday, December 14. SURJ NYC and RAPP will be having a holiday card writing party to send cards to our community members inside prison. This is a great way to spend some time getting to know one another and spreading a little joy during a time that can be especially difficult inside. Please feel free to bring a snack or a drink, and most importantly, bring yourself and maybe a friend. RSVP here to make sure to get the exact location of the RAPP offices in Chelsea.
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC Anti-Mass Incarceration Working Group