EVERY SMILE HAS A STORY
RISSE Impact 2026 Gala
October 24, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM | The Hope Center, Chesapeake, VA
You Helped Make THis Possible
Your Generosity Traveled Thousands of Miles
A donated dress became the smile of a little girl.
A box of supplies became new resources for a classroom.
Generosity toward a Health Fair became medical screening, consultation and treatment for children and families.
This summer, what our supporters gave here became hope and opportunity in Ghana.
And behind every gift was a story waiting to be told.
3
Partner Schools Served
Hundreds
of Children & Families Reached
1
Community Health Fair
Countless
Stories of Hope
You’ve Seen the Smiles. Come Hear the Stories.
Perhaps you’ve seen some of the photographs. Maybe you followed our journey while we were in Ghana.
Perhaps you’ve seen some of the photographs. Maybe you followed our journey while we were in Ghana.
But photographs can only tell part of the story.
On October 24, we’re inviting you to experience more.
At the RISSE Impact 2026 Gala, we’ll share powerful moments from our journey, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, honor some of the extraordinary people who made it possible, and reveal our vision for what comes next.
This isn’t simply a look back. It’s an invitation into the next chapter.
What to Expect
Celebration With a Purpose
The RISSE Impact 2026 Gala combines the elegance of a plated dinner with inspiring entertainment and meaningful storytelling—all centered around celebrating impact and imagining what’s possible next.
An Elegant Plated Dinner
Enjoy an elegant plated dinner while connecting with friends, supporters, community leaders and partners. (A glimpse from our 2024 gathering.)
Live Musical Performances
Enjoy inspiring live performances from Fraser 5 and Olivia Cooper & Higher Ministry.
Stories Brought to Life
Experience specially produced videos revealing the history, heart and recent impact of the Hayah R.I.S.S.E. Foundation.
Celebrating Our Champions
Celebrate some of the donors and partners whose commitment has helped turn vision into impact.
A Vision for What’s Next
Hear Founder Michael M. Smith share a brief look at where Hayah R.I.S.S.E. is headed next—and the opportunities ahead.
Our Featured Musical Guests
Great stories deserve a great soundtrack.
We’re excited to welcome Fraser 5 and Olivia Cooper & Higher Ministry for live performances throughout the RISSE Impact 2026 Gala.
Take a glimpse into our 2026 Ghana mission—and meet some of the people who remind us why this work matters.
There’s a Place for You at the Table
You don’t have to be a major donor to make a meaningful difference.
Every person who attends strengthens the community surrounding this mission. Your presence encourages those doing the work, helps us introduce others to the vision, and reminds us that lasting change happens when people choose to participate together.
Whether you have supported Hayah R.I.S.S.E. for years or you’re just discovering our work, there is a place for you at the table.
Partnership Makes Impact Possible
No organization changes lives alone.
We’re grateful for the donors, businesses, churches, organizations and friends who have come alongside Hayah R.I.S.S.E.
The Gala gives us an opportunity to say something we can never say enough:
Thank you.
EVERY SMILE HAS A STORY
We’ve shared a few.
On October 24, we’d love to tell you more.
Come celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, meet some of the people who made it possible, and discover how you can become part of what happens next.
RISSE Impact 2026 Gala
October 24, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM
The Hope Center, Chesapeake, VA