Turning a Local Market into Community Support Through a Community Fundraiser

Veronica Ramhart is a first-generation Mexican American and the first person in her family to graduate from both high school and college. Together with her best friend, Lilly, she organizes the Houston Oddities Market, a monthly event at Spindletap Brewery that showcases local artists and small businesses through a community fundraiser.

For the market held on July 12, Veronica used T-shirt sales to support JFAI. After the event, she donated $250, representing half of the fundraiser's profits. “I was tired of seeing awful things happen, so I figured, why not be part of the change we want to see?” Veronica shared.

Her decision was also deeply personal. “Supporting the community is important to me because it is me,” she said. “I grew up knowing my family could be taken away at any time. We even had meetings about who would care for the children if someone was picked up.” Veronica said her favorite part of the fundraiser was seeing how many people came out to support the cause. “Witnessing how many people care was amazing.”

“Veronica’s generosity shows how one person can use their business and creativity to make a purposeful difference,” said José Luis Martinez, JFAI’s Legal Director. “At a time when funding for immigrant legal services remains uncertain, support like this helps us continue serving vulnerable families.”

JFAI is grateful to Veronica, Lilly, the participating artists, and everyone who supported the fundraiser. Their effort offers a powerful example of how local businesses and community members can turn an idea into tangible help for immigrant families.

Follow Houston Oddities Market and Veronica on Instagram to learn more about their work.