A poverty-relief organization is extending an invitation - banqueting like a VIP and it's charitable.

China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation is to throw a grand banquet in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 1, 2005 (December 23 on the Chinese lunar calendar, the start of the traditional Spring Festival celebration), but price tag is 1,800 yuan (about US$220) up, to 38,000 yuan (about US$4,600), the Beijing Times reported on Tuesday.

Money may not necessarily bring one to the banquet. All participants must pass the qualification examinations by the organizers,

Some Party and state leaders will also attend the banquet to dine together with the participants, who will be treated to "president class" dishes, procedures and ceremonies. They will also have a chance to take photos with the leaders and enjoy an art performance afterwards.

The charitable banquet, named "Spring of Poverty Alleviation" by the organizer, will be the first of its kind in China. Fund so raised will be mainly used for the employment-training project for 10,000 youth from 100 poor counties.

Liu Wenkui, deputy secretary of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, said this banquet is a new attempt to raise fund for poverty alleviation. It provides the people a chance to attend the festival banquet and contribute to the course of poverty alleviation.

It is reported that the tickets will be divided into 7 groups, with the highest price of 38,000 yuan (US$4,600) for the "president seat." This group of participants will sit at the same table with Party and state leaders and will be presented with donation certificates and medals.

The organizers say there are only 3,500 to 4,000 tickets available, including 60 for the main table.

Bo Zheng, an official from the foundation, said the list of Party and state leaders cannot be disclosed until the occasion. He said the foundation plans to make the charitable banquet an annual event.