Rita’s friendraiser was a huge success!

PRESS RELEASE: RITA Foundation raises over €215,000 during friendraiser at the Amsterdam mayor's residence‍

Amsterdam, June 11, 2025 - Yesterday, the second RITA friendraiser took place at the official residence of Mayor Femke Halsema. RITA is the leading platform for reporting discrimination and insecurity, with a special focus on the LGBTQI+ community. The friendraiser was an inspiring afternoon filled with urgent conversations about social safety and inclusion. The gathering brought together changemakers from across the country to discuss the foundation's importance and the crucial role RITA plays in highlighting insecurity and building a space where everyone can feel free and safe.

Mayor Halsema personally addressed the attendees and underscored the importance of RITA in the current social climate. In addition, Eward Koning, Aynouk Tan, and Jerrald Justin from RITA also spoke.

The latter remarked: “What once began as a small idea has quickly grown into a full-fledged platform. Being able to celebrate this at the mayor's home, and raising so much money, makes it extra special. It is needed now more than ever. We can finally get started! There is a lot in the pipeline, so stay tuned.”

In addition to impressive performances, the afternoon focused on RITA's future plans, including the opening of the very first RITA Community Center on the Reguliersdwarsstraat. This space will serve as a safe haven and information hub for the LGBTQI+ community and their allies, with room for events, education, and support.

The afternoon concluded with a festive reception and an unexpectedly high result: a total of over €215,000 was raised. These proceeds will make it possible to accelerate the plans for the community center and initiate new projects that promote safety and inclusion.