More than 300 people belonging to 19 different nationalities took part in the Fast-a-thon 2011, a charity event jointly organised by Hyatt Plaza and RAF, at the Ramadan tent of the shopping mall on Saturday (August 6). The event was aimed at helping the people of Somalia. On behalf of every non-Muslim who participated by fasting on August 6, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah al-Thani’s Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) donated QR200 to the people of Somalia. The programme was exclusively for non-Muslims. Yousef Estes, a convert to Islam from Texas, USA, led an orientation session about fasting a day earlier. “I highly appreciate the efforts extended by Hyatt Plaza and all the people who supported this event,” said Mukthar Ali Yousef, representative of the Ambassador of Somalia. “On behalf of the Somalian embassy and the people of Somalia, I would also like to extend my gratitude to RAF,” he added. Hyatt Plaza hosted an Iftar party for all the participants of Fast-a-thon 2011. The evening was filled with surprises including a Nasheed by renowned singer Fadi Talbi and a raffle draw for the participants. “We are extremely happy that a lot of people came forward to support our effort,” said Feroz Moideen, general manager, Hyatt Plaza. According to SM Naseem, marketing consultant, Hyatt Plaza, the participants came from 19 countries including the USA, Canada, UK, Philippines, India, Bhutan, Malaysia, Japan, Lebanon, Nepal, Ireland, Greece, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Venezuela, Ghana and Columbia. The programme was also attended by Lefteris Hatzidakis, attache, embassy of Greece. “I appreciate Hyatt Plaza for coming up with this idea. I have been fasting all day for the people of Somalia and the feeling is indeed very gratifying,” said Sujith P. Das, a participant of Fast-a-thon 2011. “On behalf of RAF, I would like to thank Hyatt Plaza Shopping Mall for organising this event,” said Aied al-Qahtani, chairman, RAF. Maria Zayra Velasco was declared the winner of the raffle draw. http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=451870&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

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