You know fall is right around the corner when local radio personality JJ Christy is high in the sky, raising money for Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers.
Catholic Charities partnered with KBUL-FM for its annual Raise the Roof to Ease Poverty fundraiser at a new location.
“We wanted to highlight our brand-new client choice pantry, all of our expanded warehousing, and have a lot more space to highlight our other seven programs that we have,” says Marie Baxter, CEO, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada.
A new roof to raise, but Christy remained indoors.
“This year he is inside because we didn't want him to fall off of our roof in our new building,” Baxter says.
He got on the roof of the interior offices, so it still counts.
Raise the Roof traces its roots to the pandemic, when social distancing forced Catholic Charities to move from a gala to the roof of Dolan Toyota.
“It is a little chilly here, but it's a good feeling,” JJ Christy says, while wearing only his iconic shorts.
Christy, the one raising the roof, says the community contributions are what make the event special year in and year out.
“Anybody who gives money donates or buys tickets otherwise, they should feel good about themselves because they're going out and doing the job,” he says.
Everyone who bought tickets received a Hawaiian-themed lunch and a front row seat to the thrift store fashion show. Organizers raffled off prizes and gave tours of the new pantry as well.
Attendees say it's not just Catholic Charities that can benefit from this event.
"It's also a really great way to meet people in your community through volunteering, because I just sat down at a table and met some beautiful, wonderful people,” says Abbie Olszewski, who found out about the event through her friend on the Catholic Charities board.
A bevy of activities on offer as the organization looks to raise $150,000 for all of its services.
“100% of that goes back to all those programs that we offer that really help people on their journey to sustainability."
The event may be over for 2026, but there’s plenty of ways to support Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. With the holidays coming up, they’re looking for volunteers and donations to their thrift store. You can learn more on their website.
