More than a hundred people gathered at Richmond’s Continental Seafood Restaurant to help fundraise for local charities on Saturday.
The Rotary Club of Richmond’s annual gala charity dinner returned after a two-year hiatus and raised more than $20,000.
Suna Yee, president of the Rotary Club of Richmond, said the purpose of the Year of the Tiger Gala Charity Dinner is to raise funds for community members who are less fortunate.
Yee told the Richmond News that all proceeds from the event will be donated to local not-for-profits, such as Rotary Hospice House, Pathway Clubhouse, and for purchasing electronic devices for lower-income seniors.
The event’s fundraiser had a live auction, push-up competitions, and Mahjong contests (a popular Chinese game played with a set of tiles).
“I sincerely thank every Rotarian and guest who participated in this charity event and your gracious generosity to make this event a success. Together we are making a difference towards a better tomorrow for our community,” said Yee.
Dean Hsieh, assistant district governor, said he felt grateful to see community members coming together to not only celebrate the new year but also raise funds for a good cause.
Richmondite Dave Rogers, one of the Rotarians, said he purchased a special edition Lunar New Year hockey shirt, which was one of the auction items.
“I got the idea of purchasing the Lunar New Year hockey shirt after reading a story from the Richmond News,” laughed Rogers, adding that the item sold for more than 200 dollars after an “intense bidding war.”
“You can’t be rich without enriching others - that’s what we believe in as Rotarians,” said Rogers.
