The Ramadan Fast-a-Thon
September 30, 2008
In the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of submission, solidarity, and remembrance. Fasting calls attention to those who go hungry every day, not as an exercise of religious expression, but out of necessity.
In Bloomington alone, area food pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency food providers receive many calls for emergency food in a single day. Hunger happens right here in our city, and the Indiana University Muslim Student Union responds to this need by organizing an annual event to raise money for the Bloomington Community Kitchen.
The Ramadan Fast-a-Thon hopes to raise up to one thousand dollars for the Bloomington Community Kitchen, and raise awareness of the need for food within the city of Bloomington
Here's how it works:
* Through announcements, fliers, and media, we ask students to go hungry for a single day. Participants will sign pledge cards, receive instructions on how to fast, and on September 30, abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. At the end of the day, fasting students will be invited to break their fast with a delicious dinner provided by the MSU and local business donors.
* We collect pledges from area businesses that promise to donate money and/or food in honor of non-Muslim students who agree to fast during the daylight hours of the day of Fast a Thon. Each business will sign a pledge sheet, agreeing to write a check to the Community Kitchen for the amount committed, or donate food for a free dinner provided to the participating students. Participating businesses will receive publicity throughout the event on campus fliers, the MSU website, a t-shirt, a banner at the event, the event itself, and the local media who cover the story.
* Our goal is to convince 600 students to fast and raise $1000 for the Community Kitchen.
We thank you for your support of the Community Kitchen and the local Muslim community.
Sincerely,
Indiana University Muslim Student Union
Bloomington, IN 47405
http://www.indiana.edu/~msuweb
Email: msuweb@indiana.edu
