“Anna Richards: Empowering Students Through Sober Celebrations and Faith”

[00:00:02] Jake White: And welcome back to another episode of Party Talk. I’m your host, Jake White. And for those of you who don’t know this, I actually live on a college campus. And that’s why I get to tell this story today. So my wife is a resident hall director at Grand Canyon University. And because of that, I get to offer really cool internships to students that can help us with our prevention company called vive eighteen. And this has been so cool because I was out one day promoting our internship to find a student who’s into marketing and social media management. And I was meeting a ton of students that day, and they were coming up learning about our company. And one group in particular said, “You need to meet this girl named Anna Richards.” And I said, “Why do I need to meet her?” They said, “She’s doing what you’re doing. She throws these things called sober celebrations.” And immediately I was like, “Yes, I would absolutely love to meet her.” That sounds awesome. That’s what you’re going to get to glimpse today in this episode. Anna is a rock star. She’s running a peer led program on our college campus. She’s influencing her friends by the one hundreds. She is starting a movement and a conversation about alcohol education, drug education, and most importantly, she’s offering another alternative, something that student led and run. It’s fun, and it’s attractive to students. So please enjoy this episode of Party Talk, where we empower leaders and youth drug prevention. Just tell me everything there is to know about you.

[00:01:50] Anna Richards: There’s so much. I’m Anna. I’m majoring in entrepreneurship. And I’m minoring in Biblical Studies. I’m a sophomore. I’m from Gilbert, Arizona. It’s like 45 minutes southeast. 

[00:02:08] Jake White: That’s good. Did you go to Gilbert High School?

[00:02:10] Anna Richards:  I went to high school. So it’s in Gilbert, but it’s 20 minutes from Gilbert High School. 

[00:02:17] Jake White: Very cool. And then you’re studying you said Biblical Studies and entrepreneurship. 

[00:02:23] Anna Richards: Yes. So my dream one day is to open a clothing boutique, and promote modest Christian clothing or thing. And then it’d be like half clothing store, half coffee shop with a connecting door. And then a few nights during the week, it would turn into like a prayer worship house. So that way, I’m getting things that I love both clothing and coffee and Jesus. 

[00:02:45] Jake White: I love that.  And the reason why my mind is just spinning right now, because I want to know so much is that I heard about you because I was out on campus. And someone said, there’s Anna, who throws these sober celebrations. And just meeting you today, you’re really personable. And you’re probably not meeting people all the time. And so you want to have this event space, like hangout community area, and with the message of Christ through that and sharing the gospel, being centered around that, which sounds really, really cool. I want to dive right into what you’re doing on campus, and I’m looking to start it yet. So you go to GCU Grand Canyon University.

[00:03:27] Anna Richards:  I read at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. And so on campus, I just like straight off the bat got super involved. I was very involved in high school, I was like President of like four different clubs, my senior year of high school, like dance, Student Council, recruits and, freshman group, NHS, so I just like doing all this stuff. So I’ve always been very extroverted person, both my parents are super extroverted people as well. So going into college, I was like, I just want to meet whoever, because I don’t really know anyone going into GCU. Actually, surprisingly, even though it’s an Arizona School, and I’m from here, and there’s not a lot of people from Arizona that go here. And so I just started going out meeting people and really wanted to get involved in a Christian community. I’m just turning around being like, I am Anna, what’s your name? And my parents have always been big party hosters and love holding things, throwing things like Christmas is here, my birthday, whatever. And so I was in that house in high school, and I was like, “What a cool space and environment to have in college for a lot of people that are out of state, college is big transition from high school, to college.” And so it’s trying to find your footing, trying to figure out like, okay, what group of my partner, where do I go, you see some people go down the route of like, I want to grow my faith. They see people going, let me try that. I have freedom college side of it. And so having that house and having that opportunity and loving amazing parents are willing to host, it’s only like 40 minutes away, they’re able to come and hang out, have a good time and a healthy Christian environment or we provide food and we just go all late, sometimes I have people there till two in the morning, upstairs talking to my parents and it’s so fun because it’s just grown a lot over the last only like year of doing them and it’s super fun, everyone takes a lot of memories away from and a lot of people from them just come to my house like, Hi, what’s your name? Don’t tell me why, but welcome to my house. And so it really shows that people really want a safe environment to go because college is such like the party scene and go to this party, but I don’t want to drink, I want a good healthy party to go to that doesn’t involve alcohol, and I won’t feel pressure to go to it. So that space that maybe my parents have provided for students.

[00:05:24] Jake White: I think people assume that because GCU is a Christian university. People are partying and drinking, which we know from living on campus, it’s not the case, there’s still that draw, I think people assume that you need to do that. When you go to college. What do you think is the big draw as far as? Why do people assume that when they get to college, they have to start using drugs or getting high or getting drunk? What is that? 

[00:05:49] Anna Richards: I think it’s the pole, like I said before, that sense of freedom. And they think like, first time out of state, living on my own whatever. And so they have this freedom. And I think there’s a huge identity thing you find in college, I always heard that before going in, like you’re going to find yourself in college, whatever. And I was like, “No, I don’t know who I am. But a lot of my identity was solidified or solidified through my friends and family and through learning more about the Lord coming here.” And so I think it’s an identity thing is, if they’re lacking community, you’re lacking a space. So there’s attached to the thing that’s closest to them. That’s typically something we do as people in humans in general is, we’d have something close to us because we’re made to be in community. And we’re made to have that. And so if drinking and partying and being in that crowd gives them a sense of community, they’ll do that. And so that’s like, the dangerous thing is, especially this year as being a sophomore, as I’m trying to reach out and grab all the freshmen as much as I can and be like, hey, coming out with me, coming out with my friends. And so people joke around me, with me all the time, though. Anna, you hang out with so many freshmen like, I know I love it, because I want them to go have a good healthy college experience. So that’s my heart behind it. 

[00:06:56] Jake White: So this is really cool, because we’ve never met, but I’m just resonating with you so much, because that was me in college. So I’m 31 years old out of school. I grew up in Wisconsin. I was you on my campus, this campus called Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In my junior year, I started throwing these giant parties without any alcohol or drugs, and hundreds of students coming to them and getting sponsored by different brands like Pizza Hut, and Chick fil A and Red Bull. And just finding a place where people could feel valued and included. And they actually belonged here and they were appreciated. And it wasn’t because you drank or wasn’t because you get high, you don’t have to do anything, just be who you are, come hang out with us, and have a good time. And I did find that too, is that people, they were craving that sense of belonging. And if they don’t find it somewhere safe, they’re going to find it somewhere unsafe. And so I felt this, maybe you do this personal sense of responsibility to say, I at least have to invite them. Or at least have to show him you can come hang out with me. You can be with my friends, and be exactly who you are. 

[00:08:09] Anna Richards: Exactly. Totally. And my parents have always said like, it’s not ours. So people are saying thanks for opening your home and they go, it’s not ours. Like we could die one day, it all stays here. It’s the Lord’s, he’s given my parents some money and the finances in the home to host it. And I remember when we first found this house a few years ago, when we were moving, my mom was like, this is huge. My dad’s like, no, it’s going to pay off. Like we’re going to bring students, we’re going to make this our ministry. And so, they provided that space. And it’s become that for people and even people that don’t have to be Christian can come through, whatever, like, just come exactly what you said. Be who you are.

“Creating Inclusive and Impactful Sober Celebrations on Campus”

[00:08:43] Jake White: So brag about your events a little bit, what does it look like? What do you do there? 

[00:08:47] Anna Richards: So the first one we had last year, it was like just a little pool party, just so my friends came. And then I had Halloween party last year. And that one was crazy. My mom was like, how many people are coming? I was like 30, 40, or like, 90 people show up. And I was like, my gosh, this is crazy. And just people kept coming in. And I was a cool, some girl from Dance Moms that lives here. She was at my party or something crazy like that. I was like, what? I didn’t even know that. And so like she came and then people from like, ASU came. And I was like, what? And it just turns this whole thing. And like even months, in February, people like hi, I’m whoever Nice to meet you. Alright, say hi, man. And I was at your Halloween party. I was like, wow. So and then literally coming back to the beginning of this year, everyone’s like Anna are you having a Halloween party? I was like, It’s August, what do you mean? And so it just created that impact. And then I had just a small birthday party friends. And then I had an end of the year party and a lot of people came. And it’s just not like, come to my party. They’re actually interested in, we want to come again. And then so this Halloween, we had over 180 people there. I was like, my goodness, there’s no room to walk. And then we even had my friends a DJ. And so we dropped off all this equipment for us my friend Wyatt DJ and we played music and we did a costume contest. And then we always like to whip out karaoke. We have like a little karaoke microphone setup. So karaoke becomes a big thing. And then as people start dwindling out, it just turned into this like environment where people were creating connection and community. It’s not just fun, come, hang out, whatever, which is great and awesome. But then it turns into like a relationship building thing. And I’ve met some of my best friends literally from them, didn’t know them before come to my house. And I’m like, this is sick. And it’s cool, because they have a home to come to, which a lot of people are lacking in college. So just my dorm or apartment, and they get to have like, my parents are so awesome. And give us the credit to them. Because they’re the ones coming in and being like, hi, like, nice to meet you welcome, like whatever. And people were jumping in my pool at Halloween. My mom was like running upstairs, grabbing them clothes, drying all their stuff in the dryer. So it’s just become like a space of fun and high energy. But then also towards like later in the night, it becomes a community. And you see people out by the fire, people upstairs talking, or we had like a whole homework section on Halloween because it was always on a Sunday. So like I was. But it’s just become a really cool space environment, and not just a single event, but a starting of community building. 

[00:11:13] Jake White: Do you think that it’s something, for example, that people couldn’t get anywhere else? Because there are campus events but what you’re talking about seems a little different. What like, unique role you mentioned, it’s at a house. So that’s different. Is there anything else that you think, hey, maybe this is unique? I need to keep doing this because it’s different than what’s offered at most universities. 

[00:11:37] Anna Richards: I would say the one thing starts with the invitation. Because you can see, it’s great. GCU provides so many amazing events. They’re really good at that, our kid activities, sports, phenomenal putting on events, but it’s plastered around the building posted on Instagram. It’s like, come to this. And they’re fun. And they’re awesome and great. But I think what really comes down to is a personal invitation. Like, I’ve had people being like, can I come? I am like, of course, you can come and so like, I’ll walk up to people and be like, how’s your day going? Whatever, hey, I’m having a Halloween party next week. I want you there. And so I think it’s that personal invitation and personal connection and then being like, they barely know me. I didn’t even know, I was that close with her. Whoever didn’t know it could come. But she’s saying she wants to be there. And honestly I’m taking it as a ministry factor as well, saying, like, people want to be known and loved. That’s like the two things my parents always say like in business, like they don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. So I think it starts with the invitation and saying, I want you there, come and be a part of this party, community thing. 

[00:12:38] Jake White: Wow, this is blowing my mind, because so I just got back from a trip from Wisconsin, where I taught these 11 schools how to throw parties like yours. And the number one thing I tell him, like, they wouldn’t want to join your club, they don’t want to be a number, they don’t want to advertise to you, they want a friend. And if you personally invite them, they will feel like a friend. And they’ll feel valued and included. And so when times comes down for your party, they’re like, going through the excuses in their mind, I don’t know anybody. Wait no. She invited me. I know her. She was really nice. Okay, what else do I have going on? I don’t have anything else going on, that excuse is out the window. So it’s like eliminating these doubts that people have in their mind, to get it easier for them to take a chance and go to a party that looks different, sounds different, and feels different. But ultimately, it’s going to be really cool experience. And we have like a seven step process, take 25 seconds to and a stranger into a friend. And then what’s so cool is now you can share every single party, you have felt the year with this person, because you’re their friend, not because they saw a poster. You don’t have to reprint the poster anymore. You just invite your friend again. So I think there’s just so much power in doing it the way you’re doing. And realizing that there’s not really a shortcut. Like you could post it on Snapchat, and that would feel like a shortcut? But then all of its power would be stolen away from it. Because it didn’t come with that smile. And that hey, what are you doing this weekend? From a stranger who showed interest in you? 

[00:14:20] Anna Richards: Totally. That’s exactly what you’re saying or sound very similar in that aspect of just making people feel loved and welcome. And I still will post it. But then like always, I’m not just like, I hope you find on my Instagram. I’m like, I want you to come and they are like, “I saw that. Didn’t know but I want you there, I always like you should come, will be fun.” It’s like I want you there, like you mean enough to me because I want you in that spot. And I’ve even had people that tend to go to the non super celebrations and drink and all that stuff. And like you should call free alcoholic? No, but it’s still really fun and they end up coming. It was a few guys that came last year and they’re like, I didn’t know that can be so much fun. And so like it’s even creating that healthy environment for people that you might be used to that. And I think, in college and as you’re in your teens and early 20s, it’s like I have to be this certain person, fit this college mold, whatever. So I get approval, whatever. And so even those people that choose to do that and choose to drink everything, they might even seem like they love it and be involved in it, but they really are not feeling good about themselves. And that’s their only piece of identity they want to stick to. 

[00:15:29] Jake White: That’s really cool to hear that people have come to it. And maybe thought beforehand, like, okay, really celebration. That’s going to be fun. And, then, that’s what we do with new things in market. We don’t want to try it, but that you persisted, and maybe they came in, check it out. So have you ever got to any more feedback from those types of people of like, Hey, I thought this going in, but then after going, now I think this?

[00:15:56] Anna Richards: I’ll have people like, come up to me after and they are like, I’m going to leave, thank you so much. So can you just see their, genuineness behind them? And they’re like, Thank you for having me here. And this was actually really fun, or I wasn’t going to come, but I did and it shows. It’s not just like a quick, thank you. I’m leaving. It’s like a week later. They’re like, No, seriously, thank you. Like, you just see that genuineness behind their thankfulness, and actually wanting to go and not realizing how fun a sober celebration can be.

“Redefining Campus Parties with Sober Celebrations”

[00:16:30] Jake White: How’d you come up with the name sober celebration? 

[00:16:31] Anna Richards: Actually, I took it from my friend, because a few years ago, he graduated last year, but he would call it sober celebrations. And I was like, Hey, if I take that name from you music. Yes, sure. And so we just call sober celebrations or sober salaries for sure. 

[00:16:49] Jake White: No way. So this is being passed down to you from someone who was at GCU before you?

[00:16:53] Anna Richards: Yes, so last year and a few years before, before my class, he would throw parties at his house that he had with his friends, and call them sober celebrations. And I was already planning on doing that. And then now that he’s graduated, it’s almost been a continued thing of like, well, Steve was adult now at college and has got to in a way passed on to me. 

[00:17:17] Jake White: So that’s fantastic. I love it. Because I think when you’re going through school, and you’re choosing something healthy, you think that you’re the only one. But then like you’ve seen, well, you need an excuse to get people together without that. And then it’s like a magnet. It draws everybody in. And not everybody is exactly like us where they don’t do it or anything like that. But they come in, you see you’re not alone. And but to see from a bigger perspective from somebody who went through college before you is to see it on a campus throughout. It’s really cool for him. Eventually leads the world to him that you’re doing that, you’re still helping people in the same way that he started doing it.

[00:18:09] Anna Richards:  And we’ve actually become friends through seeing each other throwing sober celebrations. And he’s like, “Cool”. And that’s how we became friends, is connecting in that aspect. So not only is it a connection, people come into the parties, but then it’s connecting and building that environment and for me, like, you get nervous as like a host or any type of leadership position you’re in, you want to succeed, you want the people that are in your ministry, in your community, whatever to like, feel led, in a way. And so I’m always like, I have to make sure that everyone was invited. I don’t want to forget anyone. There’s sense of pressure, but having someone knowing that like they did the same thing that creates a community for me as well. 

[00:18:43] Jake White: That’s cool. So what’s your dream? Do you have a bigger dream for this? Or keep doing this throughout school? Or where do you see this thing?

[00:18:52] Anna Richards:  Keep going with it. Even after I graduate, I want to create that space. That’s what I want to do in my future careers. So being able to like make money through fashion and clothing and then coffee and stuff. But then it becomes this community thing, two, three times a week at night where my goal is to target towards college aged kids and to come and be like, hey, come like, whether you love it or not, come, hang out, whatever, and always be in my shop and be like, let’s go grab coffee right next door, it’s creating that community environment and ask the Lord and figuring out where exactly I want to place that, whether that’s here somewhere else, but in that aspect, and just how I’ve seen my parents model like this isn’t our house, why would we keep this house nice house like to ourselves, let’s share it with people as ministry. And so I want to carry on that heart and tradition that they’ve implemented so well in my life and my family and be those parents far away down the future of being like, you’re going to be friends with whoever, I’ll get the money back. Money comes back, memories don’t. And continuing that for generations on, biggest thing for me, it’s just keep saying creating that space where people can come and find even friends. Like, that isn’t just a one night. That was fun to not go to something that was drinking, but okay, we made some of my best friends, I’ve actually heard people that I’ve met some of their close friends through my Halloween party and like, how’d you guys meet thy are like, actually at your Halloween party. I was like, what? It’s just cool seeing the effects of it. And that’s really making a bigger impact than just a one night thing.

[00:20:30] Jake White: Well, that’s so cool. I love that we just met, and that we’re doing very similar stuff. So if there’s any way you can use me, I’m here. Happy to help you, whether it’s getting sponsors, or getting supplies, or donations, whatever. And it sounds like your parents are awesome. They would so it anyway. But as far as sustainability goes, if it’s something you want to keep, or develop something to pass on to the next student, who’s going to come after you, whatever it is, this is something that I just kept with me. And just like a little bit of my story, I didn’t know about Jesus growing up. I thought anybody who believes in Him is a little crazy. And I found out the truth, and I was 23 years old, and my life has changed. But I know that for me, it is that safe space, like you said, doesn’t matter if you’re Christian or not. It’s a safe space. And I know that God’s going to use it. I couldn’t stop him from doing his plan. And just like excited to help people like yourself who are doing this, if I can be helpful to you let me know. And I’m just proud to know you. 

[00:21:37] Anna Richards: Thanks for reaching out to me and everything, too. It’s so cool. When Maddie told me she’s like, I just met this guy. And I was like, No way. That’s so cool. Like, that’s really cool about you still want to carry that on, even though you’re way out of like college now and everything and wanting to help people like me continue that. But great, because we go like, I’ll get there early in the morning to my house. And then my mom and I like go to Costco brought a water, we get like water and ice. We’re spending like 800, $900 on food, every party. So it’s like crazy. 

[00:22:03] Jake White: We got to get you some sponsors. 

[00:22:04] Anna Richards: That’d be great. No one’s doing it. 

[00:22:11] Jake White: That’s amazing. We will definitely keep in touch, then help you or volunteer, whenever you need. That sounds really cool. So if people want to like check out, they can get on Instagram page that people can go to snoop on your events. 

[00:22:27] Anna Richards: So it’s Anna_Richardssss on my Instagram, I have everything posted there.

[00:22:38] Jake White: Awesome. Wasn’t that amazing? I love Anna’s energy. In fact, she was so onpoint and well spoken, that I’ve invited her to come do some speaking engagements with us, to share her story. And I think she’s really going to connect with the students. And if you’re someone who’s in prevention and looking for someone to share their story, who’s a near peer, or even appear, if you run a college, or high school or middle school, feel free to reach out to us, again, our website is vive eighteen.com. And you can ask us about scheduling something where we can come visit your school, share stories, and show your students that you can in fact, have fun, make friends and feel good without sacrificing your friends or your future. So if that’s you, just hit us up, ask us any questions. And I’m so excited. I hope you learned something from Anna’s interview and everything that she’s doing on her college campus to make it a better, safer place. And until next time, have a great week.