HOUSTON (June 2, 2022) – Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and its Board Chair Charlene Chuang hosted the annual For All Humanity event, benefiting Refugee Services and the other programs of IM, on May 18.
This year’s event featured dinner, entertainment and an inspiring address by Vican Sun. The elegant event took place at the Junior League of Houston, with the theme of “An Evening in Shanghai”. Tables sparkled in black with red accents, and white orchids graced each tabletop. Chinese lanterns provided another pop of color. Over 250 guests enjoyed dinner and traditional Chinese dance and musical performances from the Eastern Pearls, NAYCO, and Dance of Asian American.
The festive fundraiser celebrated the diversity of Houston and was chaired by Gina and Jarvis Cheung, May and Paul Chu, Cecil Fong, Lily Foster, Wea Lee, Gordon Quan and Bin Yu. The host committee was comprised of Charlene Chuang, Paula Sutton and Nadia Tajalli. The keynote speaker was Vican Sun, Owner of Viet Hoa International Foods. The program was emceed by Miya Shay of ABC-13 Houston. The event raised approximately $115,000.
Interfaith Ministries has been welcoming refugees from around the globe for more than 30 years. A refugee is someone who is fleeing their home country due to war, persecution or violence. To come to the United States, they must undergo a comprehensive vetting process involving multiple federal agencies. The U.S. State Department through Interfaith Ministries’ national resettlement partner, Episcopal Migration Ministries, refers refugees to Interfaith Ministries. Over 90% of the refugees resettled by Interfaith Ministries are self-sufficient within six months of arrival.
The past few months have brought an unprecedented number of Afghan refugees to Houston, many of whom worked with American troops. The war in Ukraine may result in refugees from that country moving here, as well.
“Houstonians have been very generous in welcoming these new neighbors,” shared Ali Al Sudani, Chief Programs Officer of Interfaith Ministries. “We are especially grateful to our lead event sponsors Susan and Dan Boggio, Gina and Jarvis Cheung, Cindy Hu and Bin Yu, and Stephanie and Vican Sun for their generous support of our work.”