Keys for Kids Dinner to Raise Money for Christmas Giving
Riverbend Rescue says 100% of donations go back to the families it helps, with no one taking a paycheck. Its Nov. 14, 2026 fundraiser will support kids in local school districts.
WOOD RIVER - The community can help local kids enjoy the holiday season at an upcoming fundraiser.
From 6–10 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2026, Riverbend Rescue will host its third annual Keys for Kids program at Rustic Roots in Wood River. The event will feature a catered meal, dueling pianos, a full bar, a 50/50 drawing and raffle baskets. All proceeds go toward Riverbend Rescue’s mission to provide necessities and gifts for kids in the local school districts during the holidays.
“Everybody leaves having a really good time, and obviously, it’s all for a really, really great cause,” said Adam Marburger. “It’s a fun, affordable night out and you get to do something for the community.”
Marburger is the founder of Riverbend Rescue. He explained that the idea started after he lost his business partner, Steven Oldenburger, in 2019. Oldenburger was passionate about helping kids, and he felt strongly that every child deserved to have a good Christmas.
To “honor his legacy,” Marburger and his family began working with the Alton Boys and Girls Club to shop for Christmas gifts for those in need. Eventually, they decided to expand their reach by creating Riverbend Rescue and inviting other businesses and community members to donate.
Today, the nonprofit works with social workers to identify students in Roxana, East Alton-Wood River, Alton and Bethalto schools who could use some help around the holidays. They buy and wrap the gifts, and then the kids’ caregivers can give the gifts to their children.
The nonprofit tries to buy everything the children ask for. Marburger said some of their requests are “heartbreaking.”
“It’ll break your heart when you see the list, when you see what these kids are asking for,” he said. “A lot of these kids, they just need a pair of shoes. These young girls need bras. They need pots and pans so their grandma can cook for them. It’ll blow your mind when you see what these kids are asking for: the basic necessities.”
The Keys for Kids event is a chance for the community to help. Tickets cost $50, which includes the meal and four drink tickets. Marburger noted this is a great date night, as well as a fun networking opportunity as many entrepreneurs and leaders will attend.
Sponsorships are also available. As an entrepreneur himself, Marburger asks the local business community to consider donating. He believes this cause is vitally important, and businesses can make a big difference by giving back.
“The more people can donate, the more families we can help,” he said. “Last year, I think we were able to successfully provide Christmas for 63 families. This year, the goal is over 100. We want to be able to provide over 100 families with a Christmas that they wouldn’t have without us.”
Marburger also noted that Riverbend Rescue's goal is to stay local to the Riverbend community. No one takes a paycheck, and 100% of donations go back to the families they help.
“That money goes straight back right into the community,” he added. “Every dollar counts.”
To purchase your Keys for Kids tickets or find out more about the sponsorship and donation opportunities, click here. For more information about Riverbend Rescue and its work in the community, visit its official website.
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