Irvine

Fast for Funds Continues:Students fasting at UC Irvine in an effort to attract $10,000 in monthly pledges for the war on hunger in Africa have reached more than half the goal, but the 18 original fasters have resumed eating. Johannes Van Vugt, the group’s leader, said other students have taken up the cause in front of the University Center. Van Vugt, who said he fainted on Wednesday after not eating for nine consecutive days, and Julie Justus, the student body president, were the last to abandon the fast on Thursday. “But, fortunately, other students are carrying on the pledge to fast,” Van Vugt said. The Kappa Sigma fraternity has taken up the fast from the 18 original fasters. By late Thursday the 10-day effort had raised $5,500 in monthly pledges. Van Vugt said the fasting would continue until the $10,000 in pledges was raised.