The Grace Fisher Foundation will pay tribute to the life and legacy of poet Max Ritvo in a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10 that marks a decade since Ritvo’s passing.

During the event, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse at La Cumbre Plaza, the foundation will rename a space within the clubhouse the Max Ritvo Reading and Writing Corner.

The area will be “a space where guests can read and write using a typewriter and a curated collection of kid-friendly books centered on belonging, positivity, and inclusivity,” the foundation said.

The dedication includes readings of Ritvo’s own poetry, followed by serving of light refreshments. The ceremony is free to attend.

Max Ritvo (1990-2016) was an American poet and a family friend of the Fishers who believed writing a book, or a poem, was itself a heroic act, available to anyone brave enough to try.

Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at age 16, Ritvo spent much of his life writing about illness, mortality and love with rare candor and wit, event organizers said.

“During Max’s life, he was accomplished and multi-talented; he graduated from Yale and Columbia, worked as a stand-up comedian, and published poems in various outlets, including The New Yorker and Poetry magazine,” the foundation said.

“Ten years after his death, that belief continu es to shape the foundation’s work: the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse is a perfect place for Max to live on in every guest who picks up a pen, a brush, or an instrument and creates without apology,” the foundation said.

To learn more about Ritvo’s story, visit https://www.gracefisherfoundation.org/maxritvo.

The Oct. 10 renaming ceremony is part of the foundation’s Matching Campaign 2026 | In
honor of Max Ritvo, a matching gift drive running Aug. 23-Dec. 31.

The Alan B. Slifka Foundation, led by Ritvo’s mother Dr. Riva Ariella Ritvo-Slifka, has committed $150,000 to match every gift made to the campaign, dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every donation.

The campaign’s overall fundraising goal is $300,000, with the $150,000 match already guaranteed.

Funds raised support art and music supplies, accessible furniture, and the operational costs of running the clubhouse’s free programs. Contributions can be made at secure.qgiv.com/for/gff2026matchingcampaign through Dec. 31.

“On behalf of our board, we’re honored to carry Max Ritvo’s spirit forward through this campaign and in our Inclusive Arts Clubhouse. His courage and creativity reflect exactly what we hope every participant discovers in our free programs,” said Brett Grimes, Foundation Board president.

The Grace Fisher Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through the power of the arts.

At the age of 17, Grace Fischer faced a life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness, that left her paralyzed from the neck down.

Despite this daunting setback, Grace’s spirit and love for life found renewed expression through the power of the arts.

With a mission centered on fostering community inclusion, education, creation, and self-discovery, the foundation strives to create an accessible space where people of all abilities can connect with music, art, dance, and various forms of artistic expression.

For more, visit www.gracefisherfoundation.org.