FASTATHON – Breaking Fast Together
FAST-A-THON
“Breaking fast together”
Come join the Interfaith Fast-a-Thon, where we challenge you to fast an entire day with us on Saturday, April 6, 2024. An Interfaith Fast-a-Thon is an event where individuals commit to fasting for a day and donating the money they would have spent on food to a social action cause. After a day of fasting, participants come together to break their fast and reflect on their experiences as a community. This event provides a unique opportunity for people from different faiths to come together, learn from each other, and work towards a common goal of social justice. Since fasting is a fundamental aspect of many religious practices, Fast-a-Thon’s primary objective will be to create an opportunity for individuals to discuss its significance and foster interfaith dialogue. Also, it is a platform for individuals to express their religious and non-religious beliefs. To ensure that this objective is seamlessly integrated into the event, we will have a dedicated team member who will work towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment that caters to people of all faiths and beliefs. By prioritizing and fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding, we aim to create an enriching experience for all participants.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is observed by Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast every day from dawn until sunset. In the evening, Muslims gather together as a community to break their fast by sharing a meal. If you are interested in learning more about the Islamic month of Ramadan, or maybe just want to enjoy some free food, we invite you to join us for our Fastathon event.
The event will be open to the public of all ages regardless of the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability. Everyone is invited to participate and collaborate in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all feel welcome. Without this diversity, the event would lack the richness and depth of experiences that make it truly meaningful. By working together to create a truly inclusive event, we can build a stronger, more connected community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.
The theme of the 2024 Fast-a-Thon will be food access and hunger, and all proceeds will be donated to hunger relief organizations. Any chosen organization will utilize donations effectively and follow through on its stated intentions.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 6, at 6 p.m. at the Cambridge King Open School. Please note that all are welcome to attend the event, and fasting is not required.
*If you happen to be the organizer of the Fast-a-Thon event, and you are not fasting due to health or religious reasons, it’s advisable not to fast on the day of the event. It’s challenging to achieve a full performance when you are experiencing hunger pangs and a foggy mind.
**Kindly note that we require a response from you to confirm your attendance to the event. Your timely RSVP will help us make suitable arrangements for the event and ensure that you have a pleasant experience. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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PRESS RELEASE
FAST-A-THON 2024: “Breaking Fast Together” Unites Communities for Social Action
Cambridge, April 6, 2024 – Fast-a-Thon, an interfaith event promoting solidarity and social justice, invites individuals of all backgrounds to participate in a day of fasting on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Embracing the spirit of Ramadan, participants pledge to abstain from food for a day and donate the money they would have spent on meals to hunger relief organizations.
The Fast-a-Thon is not merely about fasting; it’s a celebration of diversity, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. By coming together to break their fast and reflect on their experiences, participants create a supportive environment where all feel welcome.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM onwards
- Location: Cambridge King Open School, 850 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141
Event Highlights:
- Meet and Greet: Kick off the event with a warm welcome and a chance for participants to mingle.
- Opening Remarks: Emcee provides an overview of the Fast-a-Thon’s mission and significance.
- Prominent Guest Speaker(s): Learn about the importance of Ramadan and the Fast-a-Thon from distinguished speakers.
- Reflections: Members of the planning committee share their perspectives on fasting from diverse religious and philosophical backgrounds.
- Talk Better Together Session: Engage in interfaith discussions on topics such as favorite foods, reasons for fasting, and collaborative actions for social impact.
- Adhan: Experience the call to prayer as the muezzin invites participants to break their fast.
- Breaking Fast and Dinner: Join together for a communal meal to mark the end of the fast.
Target Audience:
The Fast-a-Thon is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, or belief. While fasting is encouraged, participation is not mandatory, and all are welcome to attend the event. While Fastathon is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the event primarily targets students from nearby high schools and universities, including Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, Brandeis, Bentley, and Boston universities. Promotion efforts will encompass various channels, including email, social media, and word-of-mouth.
The theme of the 2024 Fast-a-Thon is food access and hunger, with all proceeds donated to hunger relief organizations committed to making a meaningful impact.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Organizing Committee
Peace Islands Institute Boston
Email: info@piima.org
Tel:6175992701
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Become a Volunteer and/or Host Collaborator: We are seeking volunteers and collaborators to ensure the success of the event. We invite individuals and organizations with diverse religious and philosophical backgrounds to join us in creating an inclusive environment. Your representation will contribute to a rich and meaningful experience for all participants. For details, please contact info@piima.org or +16715992701
Collaboration Part 1:
Each volunteer team and organization will promote the event by posting flyers on campuses, schools, colleges, universities, and mosques (with permission or in permitted assigned places only), taking potential guest photos with a fasting sign, and tabling at high-traffic points on campus to encourage RSVPs and donations. Each team or organization is also permitted to promote on their own social media, put their logos, and through WhatsApp groups. A promo box will be provided to each team or organization, containing Dunkin’ gift cards, T-shirts, tapes, markers, sign frames, and flyers. The Dunkin’ gift card can be used to buy donuts for a stand and give away if anyone RSVPs at a table. T-shirts will be provided to those who RSVP and take a courtesy picture with a fasting sign (Sample Attached). Tapes, markers, and frames will be provided to collect courtesy photos.
Please let us know if you want one of these promo boxes, and we will deliver it to your address.
Collaborating Part 2
There are three different venues where we need volunteers:
Venue 1: Auditorium
• Stage managers and ushers’ team
• Emcee team
• Sound engineer
Venue 2: Cafeteria
• Food and drink delivery
• Utensil and table set up
• Catering Services
• Check-in and donations assistant
Venue 3: Gym
• Prayer set up
• Kids activities set up and organizations.
Thank you once again for volunteering, and we look forward to working with you.
The list of volunteers and assignments will be frequently updated.
Fasthathon Partnering and Collaborating Organizations:
- Several Faith Organizations
- Turkicstan Center Inc.
- Turan Association
- Muslim Women Boston
- Boston Youth Dialogue and Advocacy: BYDA
- Boston Education Counseling
- Muslim Student Volunteers from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Boston College, University of Massachusetts Boston, Brandeis University, Suffolk University, and Bentley University.
We expect over 500 guests. The event will be promoted through various channels, including email, social media, ambassadors, bloggers, marketers, search engine optimization, and an event website.
Please note that starting at 8:30 pm, the gym will be available for Taraweeh. Additionally, the auditorium will be reserved for a spiritual lecture. It’s important to keep in mind that the gym, auditorium, and cafeteria are reserved until 10 pm, so please plan accordingly.
