This year’s 4th Annual Spooktacular was a huge success! Thanks to your incredible generosity — through sponsorships, donations, and volunteer hours — we raised over $125,000 toward our greenhouse and agricultural programs.

That means the greenhouse is now 100% funded, ordered, and the road is going into the site, thanks entirely to our community! 🌱

It’s amazing to think that We Are Up has just one part-time employee — everything else, including this event, is powered by our volunteers. A huge round of applause to Claudia Lima and her incredible team for their hard work and heart.

The night was filled with joy and community spirit. We were thrilled to host a full table of Ambassadors, future residents, Special Olympics athletes, and friends. Our Golden Ticket winner, Wendy Kerr, chose a wood fired pizza dinner donated by Harold & Cindy Hilfiker and will be sharing that evening with the dedicated Special Olympics coaches. Her son Henry, along with his helpers, Rex Bohn and Kevin Alto, kept the auction lively and full of smiles!

And of course, congratulations to our first-ever costume contest champion — Tina Turner! The energy, laughter, and sense of belonging that filled the room reminds us why we do what we do.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — two longtime supporters have joined forces to create a $100,000 Matching Fund dedicated to building housing!

Just in time for Giving Tuesday, from now through December 31, every dollar you give to We Are Up will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. That means your impact will go twice as far in helping us move from vision to reality.



Your support today helps us take the next big step toward building inclusive housing for adults with developmental differences — homes that foster independence, connection, and purpose.

Did you know that there are over 200 families in the McKinleyville area currently served by the Regional Center? As we refine our housing and program designs, we want your input.

We’re inviting Regional Center clients, future residents, and families to join us for a community conversation on November 22, 2025. Together, we’ll dream, design, and build spaces that truly reflect the needs and hopes of those who will call them home. Details below, email us to register.

With Gratitude,



Mary Keehn and the We Are Up Board