All posts by Lafayette Urban Ministry

About Lafayette Urban Ministry

The Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is an organization of more than 47 Christian churches that serves as a social safety net for Lafayette, Indiana's needy children and families.

Mark Your Calendars for Hunger Hike 2024

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Mark your calendars — Hunger Hike 2024 is happening on Sunday, September 22, in the afternoon. This annual community event is dedicated to raising awareness and making a difference in the fight against hunger locally, regionally, and globally. Here’s what you need to know to get involved and start raising money

  • Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
  • Time: 1 p.m. – Event begins; 2 p.m. – Hike starts
  • Location: Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN

Hunger Hike is perfect for teams and groups, including church groups, student organizations, civic groups, and families. Form a team and start raising money using our online fundraising platform, or get creative and fundraise in your own way. By participating in Hunger Hike, you’ll help raise awareness and make a significant impact in the fight against hunger. Click the button below to start fundraising, make a donation or learn more. Together, we can make a difference.

We look forward to seeing you there, ready to walk, raise funds, and support this important cause. 

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Hunger Hike 2023 Triumphs Despite Rain

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Hunger Hike Crushes Goal – $113,000 & Counting

Despite the rain, the Hunger Hike fundraiser carried on with spirited determination, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The turnout was remarkable, demonstrating the incredible support from our community. It was heartwarming to see a range of participants, from Zumba enthusiasts to Purdue Pete, elected officials, religious leaders & groups, local businesses, school groups, and the Purdue Crew Team, all coming together for this important cause. The day was filled with joy, music, popsicles, a delightful hot dog picnic, clowns, face painting, princesses, and even soothing massages – a true celebration of unity and compassion.

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Even more astonishing, the fundraiser didn’t just meet its goal – it exceeded it! With a goal of $110,000 in mind, Hunger Hike is thrilled to announce that a total of $113,000 has been raised so far. This incredible generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the fight against hunger. But the good news doesn’t stop there – donations are still welcome! Every additional contribution will further strengthen our mission to combat hunger and support those in need in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, donated, and made Hunger Hike a resounding success. Your kindness and dedication inspire us to continue this vital work, rain or shine. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of others and taking significant strides in ending hunger. To view more PHOTOS, click HERE.

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Hunger Hike — Special Highlights & Surprises

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Purdue Spirit, Music, Magic, Zumba & More

Join us THIS Sunday for the lively Hunger Hike kick-off event, taking place at Riehle Plaza from 1 to 2 p.m. Your emcee and dance music provider for the occasion will be DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs.

The kick-off festivities will also showcase the presence of some special guests, including Purdue Pete and the Purdue Crew Team. As if that weren’t enough, there will be a range of FREE activities to enjoy, including Zumba sessions, face painting, balloon animals, rides on the Boilermaker Special, appearances by clowns and princesses, and even soothing massages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic start to Hunger Hike!

At 1:45 p.m., a brief ceremony will mark the commencement of Hunger Hike. Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker will sing a stirring rendition of the US National Anthem alongside Fred Koning. This will be followed by an invocation delivered by Reverend Jennie Barrington from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County.

At 2:00 p.m., Hunger Hike supporters will embark on a 1.5K walk, tracing a family-friendly path that winds over the pedestrian bridge and through Tapawingo Park. Along the route, “hikers” can enjoy live boat demonstrations at the Purdue Boathouse, listen to live music from Sharon McKnight, snack on popsicles, and marvel at a magical performance by Scott Starkey, known as the Wizard of the Wabash. The journey culminates at Riehle Plaza with a Meijer picnic featuring hot dogs, chips, and bottled water.

Hunger Hike represents not only a vital fundraising initiative but also a vibrant community celebration. The event serves as a platform to raise funds in support of the valuable efforts of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

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Co-Chairs — Dr. Edwards & Purdue Coach Walker

Hunger Hike 2023 proudly presents its honorary co-chairs, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center, and Nathan Walker, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker exemplify ideal ambassadors for Hunger Hike. They consistently raise the bar, both in their personal endeavors and in leading their respective students. Their commitment to community service, particularly in the realm of supporting food assistance and nutrition programs, is truly commendable.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Anne Marie Edwards & Coach Nathan Walker at the Hunger Hike kick-off event THIS Sunday at 1:45 p.m. (Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN).

More Info – Hunger Hike Honorary Co-chairs

Hunger Hike Countdown – Three Days To Go

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Take Action Now – Make a Significant Impact

Take action NOW and begin your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike 2023, making a significant impact in the fight against hunger! Hunger Hike is a family-friendly, community-driven celebration that welcomes individuals and teams dedicated to raising awareness and joining the battle against hunger. (Plus, it’s dog-friendly!) Join the effort to exceed the goal of raising $110,000 to support hunger relief efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. It’s easier than you think to get involved:

  1. Visit hungerhike.org
  2. Launch your fundraising journey today by clicking HERE
  3. To make a quick donation, simply text HHIKE to 71777

With just three days remaining until Hunger Hike, there’s still time to assemble a team and start collecting donations. Don’t hesitate – let’s make a difference together!

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Meet the Hunger Hike Honorary Co-chairs

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Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker – Ideal Advocates

Two distinguished figures from Purdue University have stepped up to assume the role of honorary co-chairs for Hunger Hike 2023. These individuals are Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center, and Nathan Walker, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker epitomize the ideal advocates for Hunger Hike, showcasing an unwavering commitment to community service, with a particular emphasis on supporting food assistance and nutritional programs. Their fervor for the importance of Hunger Hike, the potential that arises when a community unites to combat hunger, and the importance of Purdue students comprehending the challenges faced by their university community make them exceptional ambassadors. Together, they have issued a rallying cry, challenging everyone to begin fundraising immediately and to surpass this year’s fundraising target of $110,000.

For comprehensive details on how you can initiate your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike, please see the article above or visit the official website at hungerhike.org.

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Hunger Hike is only DAYS away

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Join Hunger Hike 2023, a remarkable community fundraising event with a mission to heighten awareness and make a positive impact in the fight against hunger, both locally and on a broader scale. Let’s unite to combat food insecurity and create a better future for those in need. Here’s your guide to get started contributing to the battle against hunger by raising awareness and funds for vital food programs. Hunger Hike is scheduled to unfold at Riehle Plaza (Lafayette, IN) on Sunday, September 17 at 1 p.m.

Hunger Hike offers an excellent opportunity for teams or groups to participate, whether it’s a church group, student organization, civic group, or your own family. Assemble your Hunger Hike team and initiate the fundraising process through our user-friendly online platform, or choose any method that suits you best. LUM warmly invites you to join us in the fight against hunger.

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Hunger Hike 2023 is Coming

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Mark your calendars — Hunger Hike 2023 is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, September 17. If you wish to make a donation to Hunger Hike 2023, click the button below. Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.” Hunger Hike is an annual community fundraising event whose mission is to Raise Awareness & Make a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike (Celebration & 1.5K Walk) event details are as follows:

  • Sunday, September 17
  • 1 p.m. – Event begins; 2 p.m. – Hike starts
  • Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN

Hunger Hike is the perfect event for a team or group — church group, student organization, civic group or your family. Put together a Hunger Hike team and start raising money using our online fundraising site — or any way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger.

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Go Orange for Hunger Hike

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September is #HungerActionMonth — and two ways you can help is to participate in Hunger Hike…and to GO ORANGE!

Put on your finest orange shirt, pants or accessories for Hunger Hike & Hunger Action Month — and share a photo of yourself on social media. Tell others about the fight to end hunger using the hashtags #HungerHike, #HungerActionMonth, and #EndHungerNow.

Some people believe that hunger isn’t an issue in America. But that simply isn’t true. Every county in the United States struggles with food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Hoosiers struggle with hunger. Among Hoosier children, the number is 1 in 6. Learn about hunger in our community, click HERE.

Hunger Hike 2022 Raises Close to $119,000

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Important Funds Dedicated to Fighting Hunger

In December it was announced that the Hunger Hike 2022 raised $118,891.83. The sponsoring organizations, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry, Lafayette Urban Ministry, and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. each received $33,370.49.

These funds are already working to fight hunger and give food assistance to families & individuals locally, regionally and in Haiti — and giving hope to those in need during this difficult time.

Mark your calendars — Hunger Hike 2023 is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, September 17. If you wish to make a donation to Hunger Hike 2023, click the button below. If you are interested in becoming a Hunger Hike 2023 event sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org.

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Hunger Hike 2022 – Big Turnout & Big Impact

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Hunger Hike 2022 Raises $95,000 So Far

Hunger Hike 2022 this past Sunday, September 18, had a BIG TURNOUT and a BIG IMPACT.

For 30 years, Hunger Hike has brought much needed attention — and raised more than $2.2 million — to overcome malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger locally, regionally & globally. So far this year, close to $95,000 has been raised. And YES! You still may donate to Hunger Hike, a Hunger Hike Team, or a “Hiker.” To donate by text, text HHIKE to 71777. Help Hunger Hike 2022 reached this year’s goal of $100,000. 

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Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Katie Gearlds & Jason Mitchell 

The kickoff event this past Sunday began with Zumba (pictured above), a visit from Purdue Pete, and live DJ music from Rat Pack Mobile DJs. The ceremony was emceed by Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, and featured the Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Katie Gearlds & Jason Mitchell (pictured right), who offered inspirational remarks. There was a blessing offered by the Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke; and the US National Anthem was sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker & her daughter, Kelly Jacobs.

The Purdue Crew Team led the hikers up on a 1.5K walk from Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, over the pedestrian bridge to West Lafayette, through Tapawingo Park, along the Wabash River to the Purdue Boathouse — and back again to Riehle Plaza.

The event also included ax throwing, a magic show, face-painting, balloon animals, clowns, rowing demonstrations, enchanted princesses, massages, intergalactic characters, and a hot dog picnic with chips, bottled water and popsicles.

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Hunger Hike – Sponsoring Organizations

All Hunger Hike proceeds benefit and support the good work of three local agencies — Lafayette Urban Ministry (Food Programs), Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & St. Thomas Aquinas’ Haiti Ministry. This year is the 30th anniversary of these outstanding organizations working together to fight hunger. Hunger Hike is one of longest running & most well-respected fundraising events. Thank you to all of our passionate participants & generous sponsors for another lively outdoor event. To learn more about the Hunger Hike sponsoring organizations, click HERE.

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