R. A. C. E. S.

06/19/2025

💚❤️🖤 Happy Juneteenth! 🖤❤️💚

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a powerful day of freedom, resilience, and Black liberation. It marks June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

📌 RACES is closed today in observance of this important day. We will resume normal business hours tomorrow.

🔍 Juneteenth Fact:
While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, enforcement relied on Union troops. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that freedom reached everyone making it the true final chapter of slavery in the U.S.

Let us continue to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity.
For immediate assistance please feel free to call our 24hr hotline: 217-384-4444

06/05/2025

TODAY! June 5th is our national to demand federal funding for sexual assault and domestic violence services.
Lives are on the line. Programs are closing. Congress must act.
Join us and raise your voice: survivors and communities are counting on it.
We need your help to urge Congress to protect and invest in our funding.
Click Here: https://fastdemocracy.com/campaigns/EDP75tm3j/Advocate-for-Federal-Funding-for-Victim-Services

05/29/2025

🎉 WOW! Because of YOU, our amazing community, the In Community Event raised OVER $20,000 to support survivors of sexual assault and stalking! 💜

This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every sponsorship, and every single show of support.

Your generosity allows RACES to continue providing free, trauma-informed services to survivors and advocating for change in our communities.

🙌 THANK YOU for standing with us. Thank you for believing in the mission. Together, we are creating a safer, more compassionate world.

05/27/2025

🎉 TOMORROW is the night! 🎉

Join us for In Community 2025 — an evening of connection, celebration, and support for survivors — happening Wednesday, May 28th from 6–8PM at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana!

🎶 Music bingo
🎁 Raffle prizes
🤫 Silent & LIVE auctions
🍽️ Appetizers by Aspen Tap House
🍻 Cash bar

💻 Can’t attend? You can still support!
The Silent Auction is LIVE and open to everyone — bidding is open now and closes Wednesday at 7:15 PM.
You do not have to be present to win!

👉 Start bidding now: https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25/auction

Let’s come together for a great cause — we can’t wait to see you there! 💜

05/21/2025

We are so proud! 💜

RACES is thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Jaya Kolisetty, has been honored with the Jen Smith Living Legendary Award by the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana!

This award recognizes individuals who are “living legendary” by advocating for causes that uplift women and strengthen our community — and there is no one more deserving than Jaya.

Her unwavering dedication to supporting survivors of sexual violence, advancing equity, and leading with compassion continues to inspire all of us.

Please join us in celebrating Jaya and this incredible honor! 🏆

05/21/2025

🎉 Online Auction Bidding Starts TODAY! 🎉

Get ready to BID for a great cause! Our In Community event auction is officially LIVE — and you don’t have to wait until May 28th to get in on the action.

From a Night at the Ballet and a Chef’s Experience Package, to our popular Shop & Sip package — there is something for everyone.

Place your bids now and support RACES as we continue serving survivors and raising awareness across our community.

👉 Start bidding here: https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25/auction

Bid early, bid often — and thank you for standing with survivors.

05/20/2025

🎉 The countdown is ON! 🎉
Online bidding for our "In Community" Auction opens TOMORROW MAY 21, 2025 at 8 AM! 🔥

RIGHT HERE: https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25/auction

Get ready to bid on amazing items and experiences — all in support of RACES and the vital services we provide to survivors across Central Illinois.

Every bid helps us build a safer, stronger community. Let’s make an impact together!

05/19/2025

Join RACES for a night full of fun, connection, and impact — all for a great cause!
🗓️ Wednesday, May 28 | 6–8 PM
📍 Riggs Beer Company, Urbana, IL
👕 Dress code: CASUAL — come as you are & ready to have fun!
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
🎶 Music Bingo that’ll have you dancing in your seat
🎁 Raffle Prizes you’ll definitely want to win
🤫 Silent & Live Auctions with some epic goodies
🍽️ Appetizers by Aspen Tap House – yum!
🍻 Cash Bar with Riggs favorites
🎟️ Don’t have your tickets yet? No worries — there’s still time!
TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!! 👉 https://givebutter.com/RACES25
Let’s make this a night to remember — In Community. 💫

05/15/2025

We appreciate UpClose partnering and supporting not only RACES but other local organizations that serve in the community. 🤝🏽

At UpClose, we’re all about partnering with and supporting local organizations that make a difference, which is why each month we highlight a nonprofit doing great work in our community—this month, we’re featuring R.A.C.E.S.

R.A.C.E.S. - Building a Safer, Healthier Community
R**e Advocacy, Counseling & Education Services (R.A.C.E.S.) provides crucial support for survivors of sexual violence across Central Illinois. With 24/7 crisis support, trauma-informed counseling, and proactive education programs, R.A.C.E.S. stands as a beacon of hope and healing. Their mission focuses not only on supporting survivors through advocacy and empowerment but also on preventing future violence by fostering a culture of consent, respect, and community awareness.

This May, R.A.C.E.S. invites you to join them for In Community, a night of philanthropy, music, and connection on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana. The event will feature music bingo, raffles, a silent and live auction, and delicious appetizers provided by Aspen Tap House—all in the spirit of building a world free from sexual violence and stalking. Even if you can’t attend, you can sponsor a ticket for a volunteer or staff member, helping R.A.C.E.S. continue their critical work. Let’s come together to support survivors and create a safer, stronger Central Illinois

For a link to the event at Riggs visit https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25
To see more about the nonprofits we partner with visit https://www.upcloseprinting.com/non-profit/

05/14/2025

!Auction Preview!
Check out more information here: https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25/auction/items/964871

05/14/2025

💜 At RACES, we’re here to support survivors and strengthen our community.
Our core services include:
✅ Crisis Intervention
✅ Counseling & Advocacy
✅ Prevention Education
✅ Trauma-Informed

www.cu-races.org

05/13/2025

Here is another preview, you can check out more here: https://givebutter.com/c/RACES25/auction/items/964866
☺️🙌🏽🙌🏼 Online bidding begins May 21, 2025 at 8am!