Inaugural Gala
"Awaken The Fire: Ignite, Empower & Elevate"
Faith Evans & Ryder's Room in conjunction with the City of Newark invite you to join us for our inaugural gala. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration and philanthropy!
September 27, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The Newark Museum of Art
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Save the date and purchase your tickets now – we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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VIP Sponsorships
We are excited to offer you and your organization exclusive VIP sponsorship opportunities for the gala!
Our VIP packages include Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, each designed to provide exceptional benefits and visibility for your brand. Whether you choose the prestigious Platinum package or the valued option, your support will play a role in making this event a success.
For more details on each package and the unique advantages they offer, please see our sponsorship package below or reach out to us!
*You will receive a donation receipt for the tax deductible portion of your contribution, in accordance with 501 (c) (3) status.
General Admission
Individual Ticket: $350
Your individual ticket will include access to the cocktail reception and the evening’s seated dinner.
Young Professional Ticket: $250
We are excited to offer a discounted ticket price to our young professional community. This ticket is open to professionals who provide disability support services and education and includes all the benefits of an individual ticket.
Reach out to sponsorship@rydersroominc.org for the discount code.
Advertise With Us
We are delighted to offer the opportunity to showcase your business or organization in the official program book for our upcoming gala.
This beautifully designed publication will be distributed to all attendees and serves as a keepsake from the evening, ensuring your advertisement receives lasting visibility among a distinguished audience. By purchasing ad space, you not only promote your brand to a targeted, engaged community but also support the success of this special event.
Various ad sizes are available to suit your promotional goals.
To reserve your space or learn more, please reach out to us!
Program Book Size: 8.5" wide x 11" high
Full Page ($250):
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Without bleed: 7.5" wide x 10" high
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With bleed: 9" wide x 11.5" high (Please include 1/4" bleed and trim marks on 4 sides)
Half Page ($125): 7.5" wide x 4.75" high
Quarter Page ($75): 3.5" wide x 4.75" high
Hi-res Format: PDF, JPG, Ai, Eps
About the Gala
Ryder’s Room provides resources and support to individuals with autism, developmental disabilities and their families. Through educational workshops, assistive technology, advocacy, and referral services, we empower and enhance the quality of life for those we serve. By promoting global awareness and inclusion we work to create a world where everyone with disabilities is valued and has access to the resources, they need to have a happy and meaningful life.
Funds raised for the gala will allow Ryder's Room to continue providing individuals with autism and their families resources and support through advocacy, education, and community programs. Your generous contributions will help expand access to early intervention services, inclusive education initiatives, and vital resources that promote independence and lifelong success. Together, we are building a more inclusive world where every individual on the autism spectrum is valued, understood, and given the opportunity to thrive.
If you can’t attend this year’s gala, but are still interested in supporting our mission, please donate here!
MC LYTE
Mistress of Ceremonies
MC Lyte is an iconic trailblazer in Hip Hop, celebrated as both a legendary rapper and DJ. With a groundbreaking career spanning over 30 years, she made history as the first female rapper ever nominated for a Grammy Award.
2025 Honorees
We are proud to announce the five distinguished honorees for our 2025 Gala, a celebration of extraordinary individuals making meaningful contributions to the autism and special needs communities.
Join us as we recognize their remarkable impact and honor their unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and empowered future for all. Their stories inspire us — and we can't wait to celebrate them with you on this unforgettable night.
INSPIRE
Safiyyah Muhammad
Advocacy/Parent
Safiyyah Muhammad is a nationally respected disability policy advocate, transition specialist, and Accessibility Navigator. She is the founder of Urban Matters Advocacy & Action (The UMAA Network) and a proud mother and grandmother raising five neurodivergent children across the lifespan. Safiyyah also served on the ADA Advisory Council at the Newark Museum of Art. She is a founding member of the National Black Disability Coalition and a former chair of NJCDD's Ad Hoc Committee on Equal Access.
IMPACT
Liza Lawrence
Advocacy/Parent
Liza Lawrence is an award-winning healthcare executive, community advocate, and visionary nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and a deep-rooted commitment to autism awareness and advocacy. As the CEO and Founder of Perfect Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019, Liza has transformed her personal journey into a powerful movement aimed at creating access, awareness, and equity for families impacted by autism.
ENCOURAGE
Andrew Burger
Advocacy/Educator
Andrew Burger is a gifted artist, dedicated educator, and powerful voice within the autism community. Andrew, who is autistic himself, was nonverbal until the age of 4 and received special education services throughout his school years. Today, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and creates stunning artwork on commission. Andrew also serves as a Registered Behavior Technician.
EMPOWER
Maliaka Mitchell
Advocacy/Educator
Maliaka Mitchell is a dedicated advocate, educator, and leader with over 20 years of experience in the developmental disability field. With expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a foundation in special education, she has impacted countless lives through evidence-based interventions, program development, and inclusive advocacy. Maliaka holds a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Rehabilitation and has contributed her expertise to initiatives such as police disability training, international outreach, and work at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Additional Information
Tickets: No paper tickets needed. Our friendly volunteers will scan your confirmation code upon entry. The price of your ticket covers the cost of the event, so please consider making a donation during the event via the QR codes distributed through our venue.
Attire: The dress code for the evening is Black Tie. Guests are kindly requested to wear formal evening attire to ensure a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere befitting the occasion.
Valet & Parking: Valet service will be available at the main entrance, and self-parking is accessible nearby at the Edison Park Fast and Atlantic Parking Garages. SpotHero can also help you reserve parking in advance.
Hotels: For your convenience, a selection of hotels are located near the venue, including:
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Robert Treat Hotel - 50 Park Pl, Newark, NJ
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TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown - 24 East Park Street, Newark, NJ
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Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown - 858 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
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Doubletree by Hilton Newark Penn Station - 1048 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ
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Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott - 1 Hotel Rd, Newark, NJ
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport - 95 International Boulevard, Elizabeth, NJ
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Hilton Newark Airport - 1170 Spring Street, Elizabeth, NJ
Directions:
Our Sponsors
