American River College’s Associated Student Body approved $3,000 for its second annual Iftar event held on campus on March 27 during its March 7 meeting. ASB also approved a $1,000 budget for an event where students can receive free items to support them through finals week estimated to be held on May 7.
Shazil Mahmood, director of public relations for the ASB, says the Iftar event will be an opportunity to build community.
“Iftar is the meal completed at sunset after a full day of abstaining from food, drinks, and other activities,” Mahmood said. “Oftentimes, Iftar is done with your community, friends and family to build and strengthen relationships.”
Mahmood says he plans on making improvements to this year’s Iftar event by accommodating more people with vegan and non-spicy options. He also says he plans on adding more decorations to make it feel like a professional event.
Habibi Grill, a Middle Eastern mobile kitchen, will cater food for the event. Additionally, guest speaker has been invited to share knowledge of Ramadan and Islam. A congregational prayer will be held in community rooms for everyone who wants to attend as well.
“Even if you’re not Muslim, if you want to see what praying is like, you’re welcome to join us.” Mahmood said. “We just ask that when there are people who ask for privacy, please give them privacy.”
ASB members will also have the opportunity to do campus tabling at the event.
“This is a chance for the greater ARC community to come together,” Mahmood said.
Another approved event, hosted by The Center for Leadership and Development and ASB, will serve students with care packages and survival kits two weeks before finals begin.
Bailey Waldrep, student ambassador in the Center for Leadership and Development, says tables will have school supplies, like scantrons and index cards, as well as grab and go snacks and self care items, like stress balls and tissues.
“Every student will get a regular drawstring bag and they can go down our tables and pick up items they need. It would be to take what you want and what you think benefits you.” Waldrep said.
The current approved budget for the event is $1,000, which is expected to support about 100 students. However, the budget is going to be discussed further at the next ASB meeting to allow the event to support more students.
