Houston Chinese community raises fund for impoverished students

Twenty-six Chinese associations on Wednesday participated in a fundraising event in the fourth largest U.S. city of Houston for impoverished students.

Items auctioned away at the event, which was organized by charitable organization Chinese American Relief Effort of Houston (CARE), were a multitude of Chinese foods donated by the Chinese associations and some local Chinese companies.

The Chinese Consulate General in Houston also donated the renowned Chinese liquor, Maotai. Thousands of local Chinese residents attended the event to buy Chinese goodies to do their bit for the charitable cause.

Chinese lion dance, solos and other programs were performed to entertain guests at the event. U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee delivered a speech at the event thanking all the donators and visitors for their generosity.

Organizers said they aimed to raise some 20,000 U.S. dollars through the auction and all the money will be used to buy school supplies for about 700 local students.

The Houston CARE has held fundraisers every year for local students in the past 19 years.