The University of Maine at Augusta plans to partner with New England Arab American Organization, Capital Area New Mainers Project, and Partners for World Health, to have a potluck dinner Sunday, April 23.

The dinner aims to raise awareness and funds to ship medical supplies to Syria and Turkey, recently impacted by the devastating earthquakes there.

The potluck will be from 6-8 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge, Randall Student Center on UMA’s Augusta campus at 46 University Drive. All are welcome to join, and attendees are encouraged to bring a non-pork dish to share.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Attendees can register at uma.edu.

The disastrous and overwhelming earthquakes in the region in early February have resulted in tens of thousands left homeless, and a death toll of more than 57,000 in Turkey, and more than 7,000 in Syria. It is the deadliest earthquake in what is now present-day Turkey since the 526 Antioch earthquake, and the deadliest natural disaster in its modern history, according to a news release from Kristin MacLaren with the university.

To create more awareness of how local groups can provide aid, and to show support for students and others impacted in Maine, the groups have partnered to have a community potluck celebration of Eid al Fitr, the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and time for charitable giving.

Partners for World Health, a nonprofit headquartered in Portland, regularly assists countries throughout the world with medical supplies and humanitarian aid. To learn more, visit partnersforworldhealth.org.

PWH has secured a match for up to $10,000 for this fundraiser.

Check out other upcoming area events!