RCNV's 2025 Fundraiser: La Ofrenda — The Flames We Tend

Honoring the Past • Igniting the Future

As the world hovers between crisis and possibility, your solidarity fans the flames of a movement that transforms the darkness. Join us for La Ofrenda, our sacred gathering where memory meets movement, as we honor the ancestors of justice and kindle the flames of tomorrow's freedom struggles.

This is our moment to choose: Will we surrender to despair, or rise together—transforming grief into power through nonviolent action? Your presence at this year's fundraiser directly sustains RCNV's vital work when the world needs courageous hope more than ever.

We will be honored to gather around the words of keynote speaker Dr. Paul Ortiz for what promises to be a defining address for our times: "The Flames We Tend: Building The New Freedom Movement Now." His wisdom will light our path forward, providing the historical context and visionary strategy to ignite our shared work.

About Our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Paul Ortiz is a professor of labor history at Cornell University, and a former RCNV board member. He is the author of , which has recently been banned by the Department of Defense and a growing number of libraries and school districts. His forthcoming book, A Social Movement History of the United States, will be published by Beacon Press.

Join Us in Building the Beloved Community

By committing early, you help us build the momentum needed to fuel this crucial conversation. Choose the offering that resonates with you, and join us in building the new freedom movement.

To avoid online ticketing fees, you may pay directly with us. To be eligible for any price category (e.g., Earlybird, Advance, etc.), your check must be received by our office by the deadline for that tier. Please mail your check (payable to RCNV) to 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or drop it off at the Center during open hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM). Please include your name, phone number, and email address with your payment.

The Full Experience: Dinner & Program — Indulge in a complete evening of nourishment for both body and soul. This ticket includes a community dinner, your first drink, and the full evening's program with Dr. Ortiz.

• Ignite the Spark (Earlybird): $60 Available until 11:30 pm on Sept 6 — Be the first to answer the call. Secure your place and fuel our initial momentum.
• Fan the Flames (Advance Purchase): $65 Available Sept 7 until Sept 20 — Carry the fire forward. Join the growing community of supporters planning ahead.
• Tend the Fire (Standard Admission): $75 Available Sept 21 until Oct 18 — The heart of the gathering. Secure your seat as we prepare to come together.
• Final Embers (Last Chance): $85 Available Oct 19 until Oct 31 — Your last opportunity to purchase tickets online. Don't let the flame go out.
• At the Door: $95 Subject to availability. We encourage advance purchase to guarantee your place.

The Sweet Offering: Dessert & Program — Join us for the culmination of the evening. Savor a delicious dessert and be present for Dr. Ortiz's keynote address and the full program, a meaningful and more affordable way to partake in the spirit of the night. Priced from $15 (Early Bird) to $35 (Door). See ticket page for full details.

Why This Night Matters:

• Your participation funds RCNV's critical programs
• Connects you to a living legacy of Santa Cruz changemakers
• Transforms remembrance into recommitment through our shared ofrenda

This is more than a fundraiser—it's the spark that lights our next chapter. Together, we are the fire that never goes out.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (831) 423-1626.

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