About

Rita’s Rainbows is a non-profit 501(C)(3) public charity organization created to serve the memory of Rita Marie Goehner. This corporation is organized to provide charitable assistance both financially and through programs to benefit children and teens who demonstrate a need.

All 100% of the funds raised go directly to the children and teens. Our officers receive no compensation. We have a separate account for operations and we rely on our volunteers and donors to make the difference. And you do!

Rita’s Rainbows was created with much love by her surviving family in 2008. Although, Rita was only sixteen years old at the time, an unfortunate car accident took her life in April 2006. She was already an active community member. Rita always had a smile on her face and deep compassion for others. Through different venues she took part in many ways to help children, especially homeless, and underprivileged. Rita’s Rainbows was started to carry on her special love for others.

About Rita

Rita was a community member of SLO for nine of her 16 years. She attended Los Ranchos, Mission School, Templeton Home School, TISHS, and Cuesta College. Rita was an active Girl Scout, received her Silver Award , and was working on her Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. She was a member of Mission San Luis Obispo Parish where she altar served, sang in the children’s choir, and was an usher and greeter as a teen. She was an active member of the SLO Catholic Youth in Jr. High and High School and served on the leadership team. Rita had completed her preparation for and was eagerly awaiting Confirmation. Rita enjoyed baby sitting and dog sitting, and working at the Neurofeedback Center of San Luis Obispo.She recently started a job at Jiffy Lube that she thoroughly enjoyed.

She was very active in community service. Rita was inspired to sell her purse creations, Margarita Designs, and donate proceeds to the children’s orphanage, in hopes of helping children less fortunate than herself. Rita loved poetry and art. She had been a painter, writer, and creator her entire life. Rita planned to attend the Aveda Institute and one day open her own salon. She also wanted to pursue a career in fashion design. She enjoyed socializing with various groups. Simply spending time with her boyfriend and friends was the thing Rita enjoyed the most. Rita had a knack for accepting people for who they were and loving them unconditionally.

Rita’s Book

Learn about Rita’s book, and get a sampling of her art, poetry, and photography.