STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — At the sixth inning on a mizzly Opening Day game for the Staten Island FerryHawks, the St. George stadium broadcast a two-minute synopsis of Michael McVey’s rich lifetime of community work. For his co-founding 17 years ago of a robust food pantry and feeding ministry, among other accomplishments, the West Brighton resident received the first ever Harbor Hero designation by the ballpark.
McVey himself stood on the field to accept the honor along with a handsome trophy, sponsored by Metropolitan Marine Transportation. The McVey family cheered from their seats in Section 8 along with the Rev. Terry Troia of Project Hospitality. She came with the expansive clan plus a gaggle of her own friends to celebrate the award.
On the FerryHawk’s field in the sixth inning, McVey was handed a trophy as his accomplishments were read to the baseball crowd. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)
Rev. Troia said, “Michael has been the food pantry coordinator for Project Hospitality and has done and outstanding job since 2006. He is an unpaid volunteer who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic — every Sunday — to be sure that impoverished families in New Brighton got food… hot food when possible. But always at least pantry bags!”
She added, “We are never without food or helping hands with Michael at the helm.”
A MEAL WITHOUT A PAPER TRAIL
After the ceremony, McVey shared the experience of establishing the pantry with the Paula Gregory and the late Msgr Vincent J. Bartley. He said of its original clientele, Mexican immigrants, “They were reluctant to put their name on paper but they didn’t want to create a paper trail because of the risk of being deported. So we gave them an opportunity to have Catholic Mass and meal without having to hang themselves or create a paper trail.”
He added, “They could receive the sacraments. They gave the people a great sense of comfort because they could come and watch the Mass and also get also get a…
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