By Liz McBreen
Twelve members of the St. Andrew's Youth Group, ranging from seventh to eleventh grade, took part in a twenty-four hour fast, during which they would drink only water. Sponsored on an hourly basis by families, friends and parishioners, roughly $8,000 was raised for a soup kitchen.
Denise and Bill Schutz, the advisors for the group, originally received the suggestion for a starve-in from their pastor. The recipient of the funds, the Mercy Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch, is dependent on donations and grants. "The grant the soup kitchen usually receives were cut this year from $20,000 to $17,400," explained Denise. "So the money the kids are raising this weekend will be a great help."
Bill Schutz said that Sept. 11 had an effect on their decision to have starve-in. "Everyone was doing something to help, and we thought, 'What can we do?'" Because charity money has been scarce for groups outside of the 9/11 efforts, the group felt that assisting a program like the soup kitchen was of extreme importance. "This event may not help and 9/11 victims directly," said Schutz, "but it will teach the kids to be aware and think about others."
During the day, the participants played sports and did some cleaning around the Church. They also packed-up water bottles to sell at the concession stands at a play at West Hempstead High School over the weekend.
The participants took time at the beginning of the starve-in to write down the last meal they had enjoyed before the fast on a chalk board. Next to it stood an empty board where they would write comments and thoughts during the course of the day, including some input on the various stages of hunger.
"I wanted to give his time to help the less fortunate," said Tim Johanson, Vice President of the Youth Group. The fifteen-year-old is also a Boy Scout and this was the second starve-in he has taken part in.
Johanson's sentiments were shared by many of his fellow youth group members. "Our youth group should help others out," said 12-year-old Erik Schutz. "My dad (Bill Schutz) gave me some tips on how to get through the day because he has done starve-ins before."
"This is important; it's for a good cause," said Kerry McGrath. "Lots of kids need our assistance, and this is our chance to help out," added fellow faster Gwynne Terrer. Both McGrath and Terrer attend Carey High School.
Thirteen-year-old Christina Perrotto and 14-year-old Elizabeth Valentine felt this was a unique opportunity. "We should understand how hungry kids feel, and help raise money for them," said Perrotto.
Frank Poppe and Nick Carnevale had never taken part in a starve-in before. "I saw the it as a chance to understand how hungry people feel, and know what they are going through," according to Carnevale.
Eric Vogel, who is now a student at the University of Rhode Island, is still an honorary member of the Youth Group and decided to take part in the starve-in while home on Spring Break. Extending a generous offer, Vogel said, "Do you want to stay for dinner? We are having three glasses of water!"
Denise Schutz is hoping that the members of the Youth Group who participated in the starve-in will be aware of what others are going through. "I hope they realize that they do not need all the 'stuff' that is often perceived as being so important."
