Club 24 Plus Teams Up with Houston Food Bank: Together We Raised Over $100,000 to Fight Hunger!

By Juhi Varma

On July 13, Houston celebrated its unique area code—713 Day. An Indo-American group, Club 24 Plus, marked the day by raising over $100,000 to fight food insecurity in the city.

Club members came together at the Houston Food Bank’s expansive facility, located on Portwall Street. They kicked things off with an initial matching fund of $10,000. Soon enough, donations began flooding in from both long-time supporters and new members, pushing the total well past the $100,000 mark.

“We were thrilled to see the contributions come in,” said Ashok Garg, a founding member. “Thanks to our efforts, we can provide more than 300,000 meals to families in need, as each dollar translates into three meals.”

Among the generous donors were Sameera and Ashish Mahendru, who contributed $5,000. Sameera expressed gratitude for being part of Club 24 Plus and highlighted the significant impact of the Houston Food Bank on the community.

“We’ve always been proud to support HFB,” she shared.

This year’s fundraiser marked a shift for Club 24 Plus. In the past, they typically contributed between $2,000 and $5,000 to various causes. This time, they aimed for a much bigger impact, focusing solely on the pressing issue of food insecurity in Houston.

Food insecurity is a serious concern in the city. Nearly one million people rely on the Houston Food Bank annually, with many being working families who struggle to make ends meet. Amy Ragan, the CEO of the Houston Food Bank, emphasized how crucial community support has become, especially amid federal funding cuts that threaten resources. “We faced an $11 million cut, impacting our staffing and the number of nutritious meals we distribute,” she noted. “We now have to focus more on producing fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Plans are underway for a new facility in Northwest Houston, made possible by donated land from Chevron. This center will not only distribute food but also house partner organizations offering services like job training and healthcare. It will create a one-stop shop for families seeking support.

Club 24 Plus has a long history of philanthropy. Established in 2006, it blends social networking and cultural exchange with charitable work. To date, the organization has raised over $1.2 million for numerous causes, including UNICEF and Save-A-Mother. Ashish Agarwal, another club member and founder of Disha USA, expressed pride in being part of this impactful group.

This year’s fundraiser was more than just a charitable effort; it was a celebration of Houston itself. By linking the event to 713 Day, Club 24 Plus reinforced its mission to connect the Indo-American community with the wider Houston population. “Next year, I believe we can raise even more,” said Garg, hinting at plans for a larger matching fund. “Our goal is to continue building on this momentum.”

Overall, this event not only helped feed many families but also united a community committed to helping those in need. It showcases how collective efforts can bring about meaningful change, making Houston a better place for everyone.

For more information on the Houston Food Bank and its initiatives, visit their official site: Houston Food Bank.



Source link