The University of Oregon Muslim Student Association hosted a benefit Saturday, May 3, featuring performances by Muslim comedians Adam Saleh and Sheikh Akbar and an auction to raise money for Syrian relief.

MSA’s Vice President Sabeen Waqar expected a large turnout, around 450 people. According to Waqar the majority of attendees were expected to be students, but many Eugene families who attend the local mosque came to show their support as well.

Talal Alzaid — an American English Institute student at the UO — is one of many who attended the event specifically to support Syrian relief efforts.

“We need to help the Syrian people because they’re going through a hard time,” Alzaid said.”I came for the whole event, not one specific thing.”

The event aimed to raise money for the Islamic Relief USA organization, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the fund, and was free to guests. According to Waqar, the event cost roughly $7,000 with no sponsors. The funds came from the MSA’s account and personal contributions.

“The one thing we want to get out of the event is to spread awareness of what’s going on in Syria … and give to the IRUSA,” Waqar said. “A lot of people don’t even know about the conflict in Syria.”

Waqar said the fundraiser raised close to $9,300 in donations for IRUSA with 53 individuals contributing — almost double what MSA expected to raise for the cause not including t-shirt sales.

Those who are interested in supporting IRUSA can purchase MSA t-shirts for $8 by contacting the group through their Facebook page or visiting the club’s office in the Multicultural Center in the EMU. They can also donate to IRUSA directly.