Cristo Rey Jesuit raises more than $280,000 at inaugural golf classic

Cristo Rey Jesuit, a school that opened just three years ago, raised more than $280 million on April 23 for student financial aid at its inaugural golf tournament held at the Champions Golf Club.

"We wanted this golf event to be like no other with a limited number of players to create a day that appealed to golf aficionados," said Bill Smith, event chair, in a news release.

Cooper Industries and Denham Capital were the two primary sponsors of the golf outing.

"The success of this event is proof that leaders of Houston believe Cristo Rey Jesuit is key to the continued prosperity of this city," said Rev. TJ Martinez, founding president, in a statement. "Cristo Rey Jesuit is providing economically disadvantaged students a road map to become the next leaders of Houston. We are so grateful for this support, yet we are far from reaching our goal of providing a college prep education for 550 students annually. Next year, our school will jump from 260 students to more than 400. Every one of our students need financial aid. As word of our mission spreads, more and more students are looking to Cristo Rey Jesuit for a chance at a better life."