We organized a “Earthquake Mela”/ fair for the community (Pakistani/ non-Pakistani) in NJ yesterday. The hall rental was highly subsidized ($1500) since it was for a charitable cause. The food was largely donated by restaurants in NJ. Volunteers organized games/ face painiting/ hena paining etc. Funds were raised as follows:

1. Entrance Fee that was $3 per person.

2. Food items were being sold at restaurant rates. We spent close to $8-$10 per person just on food.

3. Children games etc. were another $20 or so…

4. Tables were sold by vendors (banks, mortgage companies, books sellers etc) who paid for the tables.

I believe that an average family of 4 would have spent close to $80-$100 dollars on fun things, but all that money went towards Fund raising.

If there were, lets say, 500 families (conservative estimate) who attended, that translated to $50,000 of funds. In addition to that, people also wrote checks and donated money for the quake victims.

Sometimes people find redirecting their existing entertainment towards fun things like this easier than to put there hands into their pockets, which are not very deep for everybody.

I believe that other communities should do that too.

Ahmer Azam

K-State PSA is holding a Pakistani Food Bazar for fund raising.

Tell us more about the movie we may show it at other places as well. However, I have only one concern. At this moment if we show non-political movies that would be better. Remaining bi-partisian may help us garner more support and funds for help.

Chapati Mystery is soliciting donations for Edhi Foundation.

Chapati Mystery, one of my favorite blogs in the blogosphere, has started a relief effort for the earthquake relief fund – you can read more about it here, or buy a tshirt here. All profits from the t-shirt sales…

Chapati Mystery, one of my favorite blogs in the blogosphere, has started a relief effort for the earthquake relief fund – you can read more about it here, or buy a tshirt here. All profits from the t-shirt sales…

It is Earthquake relief day through blogs. Please help in the relief efforts in South Asia as millions require our assistance.

In a few days, adorable little humans all over the U.S. are going to wander door-to-door begging, as my parents derisively referred to trick or treating for Halloween. Along with torturously sour candy and milk chocolate-coated sugar, some of those cos…

In a few days, adorable little humans all over the U.S. are going to wander door-to-door begging, as my parents derisively referred to trick or treating for Halloween. Along with torturously sour candy and milk chocolate-coated sugar, some of those cos…

In a few days, adorable little humans all over the U.S. are going to wander door-to-door begging, as my parents derisively referred to trick or treating for Halloween. Along with torturously sour candy and milk chocolate-coated sugar, some of those cos…

In a few days, adorable little humans all over the U.S. are going to wander door-to-door begging, as my parents derisively referred to trick or treating for Halloween. Along with torturously sour candy and milk chocolate-coated sugar, some of those cos…