First Pearland Chinese New Year Gala （2.18.2018）

On February 18, 2018, Berry Miller Junior High in Pearland was filled with warmth and celebration on a cold winter day. The Pearland Chinese Association (PCA) successfully held its first Chinese New Year Gala, attended by hundreds of guests and volunteers. Distinguished attendees included Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, State Representative Ed Thompson, and Pearland Police Chief Johnny Spires.

Over the past decade, Pearland—along with neighboring cities Alvin and Manvel—has seen rapid growth in its Asian population. Many Asian residents hold advanced degrees and work at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston. The inaugural gala was organized to celebrate diversity and showcase the richness of Chinese and Asian cultural traditions. The venue was beautifully decorated with traditional Chinese elements, and guests enjoyed performances featuring folk songs, dances, martial arts, as well as delicious festive foods.

The Pearland Chinese Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 17-member board. PCA’s mission is to promote understanding and harmony among residents of different ethnic backgrounds in Pearland and to help Chinese immigrants assimilate into mainstream American society. PCA values diversity and encourages its members to contribute to the community through volunteer service.

More than 50 volunteers and PCA board members worked tirelessly before, during, and after the event. The gala received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Mayor Reid delivered a congratulatory speech celebrating the successful debut of the event, while PCA President Brian Liu gave welcoming remarks and thanked all attendees for their support.