In an effort to raise awareness of worldwide hunger, Catholic parishes throughout Southwestern Connecticut teamed up to host a 30-hour fast.

Close to 150 teenagers took part in the fast. Amy Ialiem says the last hour was the hardest, but everyone kept busy with activities to help keep their minds off food. She says she kept thinking about the 29,000 popsicle sticks on the cross, representing the number of children who die from starvation everyday.

In addition to raising awareness, organizers say the students raised more than $12,000 from sponsor donations and special collections through their church.