A gala dinner at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington has raised $200,000 for the Christchurch earthquake appeal.
The master of ceremonies was expatriate Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race reality television show.
Keoghan was born near Christchurch and told dinner guests it was important for people to know that the city is open for business.
New Zealand ambassador to the United States Mike Moore says he was touched by the solidarity and generosity shown by the largely American audience.
