Upcoming events.
Pearl of Africa Night
Thirty girls are waiting.
They have names. They have dreams. And right now, they are sitting on a waitlist for a safe home and a seat in school.
Pearl of Africa Night is how we change that. Join us August 2nd in Lexington at The Willow for an evening of live African instruments, cultural bites, and community — celebrating the culture of the girls we serve in Uganda while raising funds to open our doors to more of them.
YOU ARE CO is a nonprofit based in Lexington, Kentucky providing safe housing and education for girls in Karuma, Uganda through local partnerships. Since 2019, we have served 35 girls in safe housing, supported over 100 single mothers and women with dignified work, and maintained a 97% school retention rate because a girl who is safe can learn, and a girl who learns can build a life on her own terms.
This event is part of our Rewrite Her Story campaign, raising $10,000 so more girls can stop waiting and start becoming. Every ticket, every sponsor, and every dollar rewrites the story of a girl who deserves a future.
We believe every girl is worthy, loved, and valuable. Pearl of Africa Night is one night in service of that belief.
Doors open at 6 PM at The Willow in Lexington, Kentucky. Tickets are limited — reserve yours today.
Wild & Rooted: A Spring Equinox Candle-Making Gathering
Come pour, sip, snack, and create something beautiful — all while supporting a meaningful cause. Purchase your tickets HERE.
EmpowHER Brunch Gala
The EmpowHER Brunch Gala is back on Sunday, November 16 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Harper Hall in Lexington, KY, and you’re invited.
Last year, thanks to every sponsor and guest, we raised over $13,000 for women and girls in Uganda. Because of you, we made progress on two acres of land, hired three incredible staff members on the ground, and fully supported six more girls, bringing us to a total of 26 girls now in school and safe housing. 💫
This year, we’re dreaming even bigger.
We've already been in conversations with sponsors, and we're so excited about the businesses and individuals seeking to make a difference! If you or your business is interested, we’d love to connect. Sponsor packets are available, just email jess@youareco.org for more info.
Register HERE: https://www.youareco.org/empowher-brunch-gala
Unmuted: The Volume We Deserve
Join us on Saturday, October 11th, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center for a transformative event designed to empower women navigating midlife and menopause. Gain evidence-based education, expert insights from certified menopause specialists, and access to local resources—all while connecting with a supportive community that validates your experiences and helps you advocate for your health and well-being.
All proceeds from this event will support the women and girls in YOU ARE CO.’s care, helping meet their medical needs and furthering education and empowerment initiatives.
Purchase your tickets or become a sponsor here: https://givebutter.com/unmuted
Women's Equality at Lexington Legends
Can we take you out to the ball game on Women's Equality Day?
Join us at the Lexington Legends game on August 26 as we take the field to honor every girl’s right to safety, education, and opportunity.
Ticket sales directly support women and girls living in extreme poverty, providing safe housing and education.
Wear your YOU ARE gear, cheer with us, and be part of a night that makes a real difference.
(P.S. Our founder Jess will be throwing the first pitch—don’t miss it! )
Get your tickets today! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Youare2
Brew Her Future
What if $3.33 could change everything? For just $3.33, you can provide a girl in Uganda with safe housing and education for an entire day. One day of stability. One day of protection. One day where she gets to dream bigger.
And when you give $3.33 every day for a year, that adds up to a full sponsorship—covering her safe boarding school, housing, healthcare, and education for the entire year.
That’s the heart behind Brew Her a Future, running August 26–September 9 in Kentucky coffee shops. Together, we’re turning a cup of coffee into a girl’s chance at a brighter future.
Right now, YOU ARE supports 26 girls, and with your help, we can reach 40 by the end of this year.
Stop by Unify Coffee, The Greenery, or Kenwick Table to give—and know that even $3.33 provides safety and education today.
Donate $3.33. Brew her a future. Learn more and get involved: www.youareco.org/brew-her-future
Women's Equality Day at Lexington Legends
Join us at the Lexington Legends game on August 26 as YOU ARE takes the field for Women’s Equality Day!
Our founder, Jess Upchurch-King, will throw the first pitch, and ticket proceeds will support safety, education, and opportunity for girls in Uganda.
Every ticket purchase benefits YOU ARE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Youare2
Catalysts & Cocktails
Join us for a summer evening of connection, celebration, and good company—exclusively for our YOU ARE Catalyst community. Enjoy drinks, light bites, and meaningful conversation with fellow changemakers who are helping girls rise through safe housing, education, and empowerment, hosted by our friends at J. Render's Southern Table & Bar. Feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in joining the movement—we’ll share how they can take their first step as a Catalyst.
✨ Bonus: As a Catalyst, you’re invited to write a letter to the girl you sponsor. Bring it along—Jess will hand-deliver your messages during her trip to Uganda this July. This evening is our way of saying thank you. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you! 🥂
Women in Comedy Showcase
Join us for a night of stand-up and improv comedy from some of the region’s funniest women—benefitting YOU ARE CO, a nonprofit providing safe housing and education for women and girls living in extreme poverty. Enjoy drink specials, bar giveaways, and surprises throughout the night!
Presented by Peer House in partnership with Old North Bar, LEX Comedy Co., and Alphas Comedy.
Seating is limited — grab your tickets now!