Hunger Hike Heroes are individuals who participate in both the HH5K Run on Saturday, September 19th and the Hunger Hike traditional 3K Walk on Sunday, September 20th and raise at least $50.
If you participate in both events on Hunger Hike weekend and raise at least $50 — you will not only get two T-shirts — you will also be recognized as a Hunger Hike HERO.
Take the challenge—Run, Hike, Raise money to Fight Hunger — and become a Hunger Hike HERO!
For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit and explore our new website at www.hungerhike.org.
More information:
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and St. Thomas Aquinas Center’s Haitian Ministry including the Haiti Water Purification Project. Since early 1990s Lafayette Urban Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. have been organizing a walk to support food programs locally, regionally and globally. Formerly known as the Crop Walk, it was officially renamed Hunger Hike in 1993.
Today, Hunger Hike gives companies, organizations, families & individuals many ways to be a part of a community event with a tremendous positive impact on “Fighting Hunger.”
There is a strong partnership between Purdue University & Hunger Hike — and this year is no exception.
From our Hunger Hike Honorary Co-Chairs to Purdue Pete—Purdue is represented on Sunday. As you may have heard our three 2015 co-chairs are Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach; Dave Kucik, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach; and Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach. Each will be on hand with their student athletes to help us kick off Hunger Hike on Sunday.
The Hunger Hike Kick-off event will also feature the Purdue Cheerleaders and Purdue Pete. Our official program will start with a spirited cheer from them both. Leading the Hike will be the Purdue Crew Team with their sculls and sweep boats, Purdue Pete & the cheerleaders, the Purdue Volleyball & Women’s Basketball teams as well as the Purdue mascot — the Boilermaker Special.
Since the primary focus of Hunger Hike is raising much needed money for the Fight Against Hunger, we are also proud of the many Purdue staff, students, and faculty who are participating as fundraisers this year. Among the student groups are Alpha Phi Omega, the CS Learning Community, and the Purdue Catholic Students. There are also faculty and staff like Jane Stewart and Genevieve Viduya participating in the Hunger Hike on Sunday as well as the HH5K Run on Saturday.
Hunger Hike brings together the entire community—especially Purdue—in a common goal of Fighting Hunger. Boiler Up!
For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit and explore our new website at www.hungerhike.org.
More information:
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and St. Thomas Aquinas Center’s Haitian Ministry including the Haiti Water Purification Project. Since early 1990s Lafayette Urban Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. have been organizing a walk to support food programs locally, regionally and globally. Formerly known as the Crop Walk, it was officially renamed Hunger Hike in 1993.
Today, Hunger Hike gives companies, organizations, families & individuals many ways to be a part of a community event with a tremendous positive impact on “Fighting Hunger.”
State Representative Sheila Klinker and Kelly Jacob will be singing the National Anthem this year at the Hunger Hike Kick-off event THIS Sunday—September 20th at Riehle Plaza.
Sheila Klinker is currently a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing the 27th District since 1982. She serves on the House Committees for Agriculture and Rural Development, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, and Ways and Means.
Ms. Kelly Jacob is the director of music at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Lafayette) and is Sheila Klinker’s daughter.
Sheila Klinker and Kelly Jacob are both accomplished singers — and we are honored to have them starting our Hunger Hike program. Sheila Klinker has been a loyal supporter of Hunger Hike from its inception.
Please join us at the Hunger Hike Kick-off event to hear this special rendition of the National Anthem by our Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker and Ms. Kelly Jacobs.
Details are as follows:
Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 1:15 p.m. — National Anthem
Place: Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette
For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit and explore our new website at www.hungerhike.org.
More information:
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and St. Thomas Aquinas Center’s Haitian Ministry including the Haiti Water Purification Project. Since early 1990s Lafayette Urban Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. have been organizing a walk to support food programs locally, regionally and globally. Formerly known as the Crop Walk, it was officially renamed Hunger Hike in 1993.
Today, Hunger Hike gives companies, organizations, families & individuals many ways to be a part of a community event with a tremendous positive impact on “Fighting Hunger.”
Hunger Hike participants and teams come in many shapes and sizes — some are high school teams, Purdue learning communities, businesses, sororities — and local churches. Church teams are the most consistent and successful fundraisers for Hunger Hike each year — and many use creative methods to get their members engaged and get them to give. One of our best examples is what’s happening over at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Lafayette.
Through the leadership of their pastor, Rev. Kevin A. Bowers, members of Bethany have participated is some unique competitions over the years raising close to $3000 annually for Hunger Hike. One year, Bethany members were asked to donate to Hunger Hike and signify “Colts” or “Steelers.” The football team that had the most money would determine which jersey Pastor Kevin, who is a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan, would be wearing to the Steelers/Colts game in Indianapolis.
Last year, capitalizing on the “ice bucket challenge” phenomenon, the top fundraiser had the privilege of dumping a bucket of ice water on the Pastor. This year as part of something they are calling “Block a Hymn,” any contributor of $75.00 or more will be able to select a Hymn that they will not sing at church services for an entire year. Those members whose favorite hymns have been blocked have the option of buying it back for $75.00. A stir was created when one member chose to block Silent Night. It has already been bought back several times over.
Pastor Kevin Bowers shares that he is OK with being a little bit more unorthodox when it comes to raising money for Hunger Hike. He stated,
“Food insecurity is a troubling issue for our community — especially when it concerns children and the affect on their growth and development.
We can solve this problem — we just lack the will.”
Pastor Kevin’s hope is that each of the members of Bethany understands the importance of “sharing our blessings” and the responsibility we have for “reaching out and taking care of one another.” He also wants to create a fundraising plan that allows for really big donations as well as the smaller ones. Hunger Hike gives them a perfect opportunity to be a part of the something bigger — the Fight Against Hunger.
Bethany Presbyterian Church stands as an inspiration to all of us. Let’s take their lead and use the final two weeks leading up to Hunger Hike to reach the 2015 goal of $100,000.
Hunger Hike
To participate as an individual or team fundraiser with Hunger Hike, start HERE.
Hunger Hike T-shirts have been designed and they are being manufactured this week. The Hunger Hike shirt is pictured above to the left; and the HH5K Run T-shirt, to the right.
Hunger Hike participants who raise more than $50 will get a commemorative T-Shirt.* For 2015, the Hunger Hike team has gone with a bright color and a bold design. Hunger Hike Participants will get their shirts at check-in on Sunday, September 20th starting at noon.
Runners registered in the HH5K Run will get their shirts at check-in on Saturday, September 19th starting at 8 a.m.
Register today for both Hunger Hike and the HH5K Run to get both of the 2015 Hunger Hike T-shirts. Participate in Hunger Hike — work hard raising funds to Fight Hunger — run fast in the Race to Fight Hunger — and wear your shirts with pride!
*T-shirts are available only while supplies and sizes last. Hunger Hike team does it’s best to have enough T-shirts on hand in a variety of sizes for all of our participants — but we may run out of certain sizes if you check-in late.
Hunger Hike MEDIA EVENT – Tuesday, September 8, 2015 – Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN
At this week’s Hunger Hike media event moderated by Katy Bunder, executive director of Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., many important updates were shared.
Hunger Hike 2015 Goal – $100,000
First, the Hunger Hike committee announced the fundraising goal for 2015 is $100,000. Last year more than $95,000 was raised — which was the highest amount ever, and all are confident the $100,000 goal can be reached this year with the help of the entire community.
Impact of Construction Delays
Katy Bunder
Unfortunately, last Thursday the City of Lafayette announced a new construction schedule for the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge — which impacts Hunger Hike 2015. There will not be access to the ramp that takes “hikers” to the other side of the railroad tracks to the trail; therefore, the Hunger Hike 3K Walk route has been changed. The Hunger Hike Kick-off event will remain at our traditional location — Riehle Plaza, Lafayette (Sunday, September 20). The new route will go up Main Street — take a left and stay north of Main Street and south of Union Street and west of 9th Street — to make up a 3K walk. Hunger Hike planners are working with the Lafayette Police Department to come up with the final Hunger Hike route.
Honorary Co-Chairs
The 2015 Hunger Hike honorary co-chairs were also present and introduced. Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach, who is the co-chair for her ninth consecutive year, was joined by Coach Dave Kucik, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach, in his second year as co-chair; and Coach Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach, who is co-chair for the first year.
Sharon Versyp, David Kucik & Dave Shondell
Each co-chair offered remarks — and shared that this event is very special to them — as well as Purdue athletics, their teams and the entire Purdue community. They encouraged everyone — between now and Hunger Hike — to raise as much money as they can for the cause. Sharon Versyp stated that $100,000 is a realistic goal which we all should focus on achieving.
HH5K Run — New Route
Janet Fawley & Mayor John Dennis
Next, information about the HH5K Run was shared. Mayor John Dennis (West Lafayette) and the West Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent, Janet Fawley, were on hand to express their enthusiasm for the 2015 HH5K Run. They are excited that the HH5K Run is the first official event to use the newly completed Cattail Trail Loop. They couldn’t think of a better event to be the “guinea pigs” for future runs on this course. Mayor Dennis went on to say that hunger and food insecurity in our community is a real issue and affects more families than you could imagine — it is an issue that we can collectively solve — and Hunger Hike is an important piece in working on this combating this issue.
HH5K Run — Celebrity Runners
This year the HH5K Run has a number of “celebrity runners.” They were at the event and excited to be participants. The HH 5K celebrity runners are Shamus from K105; Rev. Bradley Pace, pastor at St. John’s Episcopal Church; Joe Micon, executive director of LUM; and Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP – pastor/director of campus ministries, St. Thomas Aquinas Center, West Lafayette.
They challenged the running community to join them in the official Run Against Hunger — the HH5K Run on Saturday, September 19th. Register HERE.
Event Sponsors – Gold & Silver Level
Finally, an important piece in the Hunger Hike fundraising is the support from our event sponsors. Katy Bunder was thrilled to announce our Gold & Silver Level event sponsors.
This year’s Silver Level event sponsors, who are firms that contributed at least $1000, are to date:
Evonik Corporation – Tippecanoe Laboratories
Bar Barry Liquors; Meijer, Inc.
Old National Bank
SIA – Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
Subway restaurants in Lafayette, West Lafayette and Purdue
System Concepts & Consulting, Inc.
WKOA Radio – K105 Lafayette.
The Hunger Hike 2015 Gold Level event sponsors, who are firms that contributed at least $2000, are to date Alcoa, Inc. and the Bison Financial Group.
The complete list of the 2015 Hunger Hike event sponsors may be found HERE.
Businesses are still encourage to become event sponsors — just call or email the Hunger Hike team (765.423.261 | hungerhike@lumserve.org).
Hunger Hike events are less than two weeks away — and a lot of exciting things are planned for the Kick-off event and the 5K run. Please become a Hunger Hike participant today — and join Coach Versyp, Coach Kucik & Coach Shondell in making this a record breaking year by reaching the 2015 goal of $100,000.
Hunger Hike
To participate as an individual or team fundraiser with Hunger Hike, start HERE.
Hunger Hike Updates on construction, new 5K route, honorary co-chairs & event sponsors
West Lafayette, IN – Hunger Hike 2015 is coming up quickly — and a lot has happened in the last few days. Please join us for this Media Event to hear updates on construction, new 5K route, honorary co-chairs & event sponsors. Details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, September 8
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette
The Hunger Hike updates which will be announced are as follows:
CONSTRUCTION – Due to new construction schedules on the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge, the Hunger Hike 3K Walk route has been changed. The Hunger Hike Kick-off event will remain at our traditional location — Riehle Plaza, Lafayette (Sunday, September 20).
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS – 2015 Co-chairs will offer remarks and be available for questions and one-on-one interviews
Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach
David Kucik, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach
Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach
Hunger Hike 5K Run – Saturday, September 19
Hunger Hike is the FIRST official 5K Run on the NEW Cattail Trail Loop in West Lafayette. Mayor John Dennis & Janet Fawley, West Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent will make remarks and be available to answer questions.
CELEBRITY RUNNERS – Announcement of the HH 5K Run celebrity runners
Joe Micon, executive director, LUM
Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP – pastor/director of campus ministries, St. Thomas Aquinas Center, West Lafayette
Shamus, co-host of the K105 Shamus & Annie Show
Rev. Bradley Pace, pastor, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette
EVENT SPONSORS — Gold & Silver Level event sponsors will be announced. To date those include Alcoa, Inc., Bison Financial Group, and Evonik Corporation – Tippecanoe Laboratories.
Representatives from the three sponsoring organizations, Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & St. Thomas Aquinas Center, will be available for questions and one-on-one interviews.
For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit our website at www.hungerhike.org.
Contacts: Joe Micon Executive Director Lafayette Urban Ministry 765.423.2691 jmicon@lumserve.org
Katy Bunder Executive Director Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. 765.471.0062 kbunder@food-finders.org
Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP Pastor, Director of Campus Ministry St. Thomas Aquinas Center 765.743.4652 fatherpatrick@boilercatholics.org
More information:
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and St. Thomas Aquinas Center’s Haitian Ministry including the Haiti Water Purification Project. Since early 1990s Lafayette Urban Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. have been organizing a walk to support food programs locally, regionally and globally. Formerly known as the Crop Walk, it was officially renamed Hunger Hike in 1993.
Today, Hunger Hike gives companies, organizations, families & individuals many ways to be a part of a community event with a tremendous positive impact on “Fighting Hunger.”
Hunger Hike 2015 has recently launched a new website — just in time for the September rush of fundraising activity.
The new website offers the latest technology to our participants to do everything online 24/7. It also includes tools for individuals who like to do their Hunger Hike fundraising the “old school” way — using sign-up sheets and going door-to-door.
The features of the new Hunger Hike are as follows:
Hunger Hike fundraising
Donate online through PayPal using PayPal account or credit card
Create an online fundraising page — write personalized messages and use direct email and social media posts to solicit donations from friends and relatives — who follow your hyperlink and donate online
Create or join a TEAM online — and use direct email and social media posts to solicit donations — which may be made online
Collection Form — download the Hunger Hike collection form and raise & collect funds face to face
Donate to a specific Hunger Hike “hiker” or “team” online
HH5K Run
Register and pay fee online
Train for the 5K using our online route map
Volunteer — sign up to volunteer for either Saturday or Sunday using our online sign-up page, which sends reminders three days and one day before the day.
Promote Hunger Hike by downloading the flyer and posting at your work or school
Event Sponsors – Support a Hunger Hike event sponsor using our online list
Honorary Co-chairs – Learn more about our 2015 Honorary Co-chairs, sponsoring organizations, and history of Hunger Hike
Photos – The latest photos and news on Hunger Hike – read and subscribe to our blog
The NEW Hunger Hike website makes it easier to participate in Hunger Hike and get information quickly and conveniently. We encourage everyone to use the Hunger Hike website to raise the maximum amount of money for this important cause.
For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit and explore our new website at www.hungerhike.org.
Contacts:
Joe Micon
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry
765.423.2691
jmicon@lumserve.org
Katy Bunder
Executive Director
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
765.471.0062
kbunder@food-finders.org
Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP
Pastor, Director of Campus Ministry
St. Thomas Aquinas Center
765.743.4652
fatherpatrick@boilercatholics.org
Additional Information
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and St. Thomas Aquinas Center’s Haitian Ministry including the Haiti Water Purification Project. Since early 1990s Lafayette Urban Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. have been organizing a walk to support food programs locally, regionally and globally. Formerly known as the Crop Walk, it was officially renamed Hunger Hike in 1993.
Today, Hunger Hike gives companies, organizations, families & individuals many ways to be a part of a community event with a tremendous positive impact on “Fighting Hunger.”
Read the Hunger Hike Blog Posts and learn all about the Hunger Hike happenings. To view, click HERE.
See the most Recent Hunger Hike Posts, at the bottom of this page — and read more posts by selecting the month of the posts below the list of the most recent posts.
Everyone is encouraged to be a Hunger Hike HERO.
Rev. Kevin A. Bowers, members of Bethany have participated is some unique competitions over the years raising close to $3000 annually for Hunger Hike. One year, Bethany members were asked to donate to Hunger Hike and signify “Colts” or “Steelers.” The football team that had the most money would determine which jersey Pastor Kevin, who is a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan, would be wearing to the Steelers/Colts game in Indianapolis.
Hunger Hike is an annual Fall community fundraising weekend which includes the traditional 3K Walk on Sunday as well as a 5K run on Saturday. This year Hunger Hike is Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2015.