New York University Islamic Center

Every year Muslims fast for 30 days during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. 

A fundraising dinner hosted by the Islamic Center at NYU (ICNYU), in association with the United Muslim Association student organization, more popularly known as the Fast-a-Thon, was held to benefit WaterAid in October 2007.

The Fast-a-thon brought Muslims and non-Muslims from the larger community together and asked them to fast for one day and follow it with partaking in a communal meal and an evening of reflection and social awareness.

During the month leading up to the Fast-a-thon, t-shirts and tickets to the event were sold to kick-off the fundraising. On the day of the event,  there was an additional donation box at the door to encourage additional donations.

Over 500 invitees were asked to fast for that one day and in the evening, they gathered to break their fast at the community dinner. During the dinner, students gave speeches about water, and its importance in our lives.