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On Thursday, April 22, the Hospitality Center for Chinese (HCC) hosted its second annual FriendRaiser gathering at North Heights Lutheran Church. Hundreds of people convened to support the local Chinese community. On Thursday, April 22, the Hospitality Center for Chinese (HCC) hosted its second annual FriendRaiser gathering at North Heights Lutheran Church. Hundreds of people convened to support the local Chinese community.

Featuring world-class entertainment by juggler Xu Zhang, soprano Wei Zheng, Hua Sheng music group and a number of student performances, the evening quickly drew people into its excitement. Artist, Dr. He Qi, donated a limited edition print for the silent auction.  He also showed many of his original paintings as well.
 
“Chinese student participation made this event possible,” said Peter Hao, HCC Program Director. “I am proud of the professional work and passion our team was able to share.”  Throughout the evening, Chinese students spoke of HCC’s influence in their lives, as it has provided them with a family away from home. The over US$40,000 raised will be used to further the impact of HCC’s array of programs, which include four levels of ESL education classes, new-student assistance, transportation, mentorship, and more.
 
Joe Yin, a Chinese MBA student from Carlson School of Management expressed his appreciation for “China Place” (on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, Where the hospitality Center for Chinese located) when he said, “It provides me with a place to meet both American and Chinese friends.  There is assistance with weekly grocery shopping, karaoke, and the English Language Corner. It was an honor for me to serve tonight at the FriendRaiser. I want to raise more support and awareness for HCC.”
 
Amazingly, upwards of 70 percent of long-term international visitors to the United States never enter an American home. Many of these visitors are students studying at academic institutions around the nation. During the 2009-2010 academic year, the University of Minnesota welcomed nearly a thousand Chinese students and scholars—the highest number of Chinese students at any university in North America.
 
We live in a time when language and culture exchange are necessary for further global development, according to many experts. HCC recognizes this need and has developed its regimen of programs and services to meet it. Subsequently, the effects continue to ripple across the globe. With such generous support the HCC staff and community continue to bridge the cultural chasms that lie between the United States and China. 
 
HCC volunteers celebrate after the meeting (Photo courtesy of Peter Hao)

HCC was founded in 1992 by people who wanted to reach out to the Chinese community. HCC’s mission is to share Christ’s love through hospitality to Chinese students, scholars, and their families. For more information about HCC, visit www.hcchinese.org.