RISE is a new, inspirational show written and performed by York musician, magician and comedian Elijah Cross. In this event, Cross uses songs, sleights and silliness to tell the story of surviving his struggles with parental abuse, mental illness and homelessness, with the aim of encouraging others to not let anything keep them from using their own talents to put good in their community and the world.

$10,000 in ticket sales from this event will benefit NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Since people living with mental illness need a community that supports them, their families and their recovery, NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research, and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build hope for all of those in need. NAMI helped Elijah when he moved to York; with the need for mental health services growing while the ability to meet the demand is declining, Elijah saw an opportunity to give back to those who helped give him a start in a new home.