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Category Archives: Lafayette Urban Ministry
Top 2015 Hunger Hike Fundraisers Honored
Hunger Hike 2015 — 95% to Goal — So Far
Since Hunger Hike 2015 weekend, our fundraising committee has been hard at work raising more funds. Many individuals donations have also come in since September. Thus far approximately $95,000 has been pledged & donated to Hunger Hike. Our goal to raise $100,000 is so very close. Working together this goal can be achieved.
Top 2015 Hunger Hike Fundraisers Honored
At a recent LUM Board of Directors Meeting the top Hunger Hike fundraisers in three categories were honored and presented with trophies. The three categories are Top Individual Fundraiser, Top Church Fundraisers, and Top Group (non-church) Fundraisers.
The Top Three Church Fundraisers for 2015 Hunger Hike are as follows:
- 1st Place—St. Thomas Aquinas Center—$26,241. Accepting are Rob Pahl, Lauri Mitchell & John Ginda (pictured above, left);
- 2nd Place—Chapel of the Good Shepherd—$ 4,477. Accepting is Mark Thomas (pictured above, center);
- 3rd Place—St. Andrew United Methodist Church —$3,899. Accepting is Melissa Martin (pictured above, right).
The Top Group Fundraisers—
Computer Science Learning Community at Purdue University—$1,030.
Accepting is their advisor, Scott Nelson (pictured left).
The Top Individual Fundraiser—
Fr. Patrick Baikaukas, OP—$6,786.
(pictured right with Joe Micon, LUM executive director).
Ways YOU Can Help
Ways the YOU can help us reach our fundraising goal of $100,000. Some suggestions on how you can donate and raise funds for our Fight Against Hunger:
- Reach out to your friends and family—use Social Media, email, text
- Donate NOW online to Hunger Hike, click HERE
- Donate by mail— make checks payable to Hunger Hike, and mail to Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Donate in person— stop by the LUM Office
(420 N 4th Street, Lafayette), M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Donate to a Team or Fundraiser, click HERE
All Hunger Hike proceeds support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the St. John’s/LUM Food Pantry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.
For more information on Hunger Hike — go to www.hungerhike.org.
Hunger Hike Photo Memories
Check out this year’s photos on Facebook or Flickr. Please tag yourself & share the photos with #HungerHike. When you tag yourself and share — you’re spreading the word about Hunger Hike and our Fight Against Hunger — and generate more donations.
Special thanks to our official Hunger Hike photographers: Ed Lausch from Lausch Photography, and Olivia DeCrane & Zoe Malavenda from Harrison High School.
Share your photos from Hunger Hike weekend and use #HungerHike.
Bethany Inspires Us to Do More for Hunger Hike
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.
To participate as an individual or team fundraiser with Hunger Hike, start HERE.
Hunger Hike Updates & Announcements
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 Launches New Website
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.”
###
Photos
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Check out the photos from Hunger Hike:
- Hunger Hike 3K Walk
| 2011 |2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ALL | - Hunger Hike 5K Run | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ALL |
Honorary Co-Chairs
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Dr. Anne Marie Edwards | Director | Black Cultural Center, Purdue University
Dr. Anne Marie Edwards serves as the director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center. Prior to this role, she held various roles in higher education including her most recent role as the director of the Center for Black Studies at Northern Illinois University. She received a B.S. and M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and worked in the hospitality industry for several years until returning to school to obtain an M.B.A. from Valparaiso University. She earned a doctorate in educational psychology in August of 2021 where her emphasis centered Black women and identity development in the higher education environment. Her other research interests include topics around race, motivation, leadership, and career development. Dr. Edwards is interested in ways of making research accessible to the public. Dr. Edwards is an active member of the Association of Black Culture Centers (ABCC), National Council for Black Studies (NCBS), NASPA, and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has presented at ABCC, NCBS, MWERA, NASPA, ACPA, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALAH) and at the International Self-Determination theory conference. Dr. Edwards is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Blkwomynvoices, a biweekly show about Black womyn and higher education.
MORE.
Nathan Walker | Director of Programs and Facilities & Head Men’s Coach | Purdue Rowing & Crew Team
Nathan began his rowing career at Purdue in 2000, was voted Most Valuable Oarsman twice (’03, ’04) and stroked the V8 in 2004 to a 2nd place finish at the Dad Vail Regatta. Since graduating from college Nathan has coached high school, college, and masters rowers all across the country, including serving as the Head Novice Men’s Coach at Purdue, a Masters Women’s Coach at Alexandria Community Rowing Club, the Head Coach at Fairfax High School, the Director of Rowing at The College of William and Mary, the Head Men’s Coach at Norcal Crew, and most recently the Director of Rowing at Culver Academies before being hired back at his alma mater Purdue. He has coached crews to medals at Dad Vails, ACRAs, Head of the Charles, Youth Nationals, and Scholastic Nationals, and coached athletes to spots on the U19, U23, and Senior National Teams.
| Donate | Fundraiser Sign Up | Find a Team | Find a Fundraiser | Event Sponsors |
Resources
Hunger Hike Resources — Quick Links
Hunger Hike Fundraising
- Fundraiser – Registration Form – click HERE
- Launch Page – click HERE
- Donate to Hunger Hike – click HERE
- Collection Form (PDF) – click HERE
Promotional Materials – More coming soon
— Feel free to use anything below to promote Hunger Hike and your Hunger Hike team’s fundraising efforts.
- Hunger Hike Photos – HERE
- Logo – HERE
- Hunger Hike Flier (8.5″x11″) PDF – HERE
- Hunger Hike Postcard PDF – HERE
- Hunger Hike Handouts (5.5″x8.5″) PDF – HERE
- Hunger Hike Poster PDF – | 11″x17″ |
- Bulletin/Newsletter Insert 2-sided (8.5″x11″) PDF – HERE
- Bulletin/Newsletter Announcement PDF – HERE
- Social Media
- Facebook Banner/Cover Photo JPG – HERE
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Ad Photo JPG – HERE
Other Information
Sponsoring Organizations
| Donate | Fundraiser Sign Up | Find a Team or Fundraiser | Volunteer | Event Sponsors |
All Hunger Hike proceeds benefit the Lafayette Urban Ministry Food Programs, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & St. Thomas Aquinas’ Haiti Ministry. Learn more about the Hunger Hike sponsoring organizations.
Lafayette Urban Ministry
The Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is an organization of more than 47 churches that serves as a social safety net for Lafayette’s needy children and families.
For more than 50 years, LUM has worked to give back the hope, the future, and the self-respect to low-income people in the Greater Lafayette area. LUM takes an active role in trying to change social injustices and improve the quality of life for the poor of Indiana.
Website | 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 | (765) 423-2691
Haiti Ministry – St. Thomas Aquinas Center
Several times a year, the Haiti Committee at St. Thomas Aquinas travel to St. Francis Xavier Church in Baudin, Haiti. St. Tom’s has over the decades offer medical treatment, administered medicine, improved the quality of water, assisted with strategies to grow food, store food and produce and store seeds.
St. Thomas Aquinas serves as the Catholic Center at Purdue University. The parish engages the youthful energy of all its members to nurture their faith journey across all generations through liturgy, spiritual and intellectual formation, stewardship, and justice with peace. They joyfully welcome all who wish to meet life’s challenges through lived faith in Jesus Christ.
Website | 535 W State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906 | (765) 743-4652
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
Since 1981, Food Finders Food Bank has been a critical component of the welfare of Tippecanoe and 15 surrounding counties in Indiana: providing food to member agencies, advocating for the hungry, and educating the public about hunger-related issues.
Funded by United Way, foundations, grants, the USDA, corporations, sponsors, and individual donors, Food Finders Food Bank annually distributes more than 7 million pounds of food to a network of non-profit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout north central Indiana.
Website | 1204 Greenbush Street, Lafayette, IN 47904 | (765) 471-0062
Event Sponsors
Event Sponsor – 2024
Here are our Hunger Hike 2024 event sponsors. Please thank them for joining the Fight Against Hunger — and support their businesses, please.
If you’re interested in becoming a 2024 Hunger Hike event sponsor, please call or email us (765-423-2691 | info@hungerhike.org).
Diamond Level – $5,000 – $9,999
Gold Level – $2,000 – $4,999
Silver Level – $1,000 – $1,999
Bronze Level – $500 – $999
- Arni’s
- Barash Law
- Caterpillar
- Centier Bank
- City of Lafayette
- Essential Touch Massage
- IGH Steel
- Rat Pack Mobile DJs
- Warren County REMC
Friend Level – $300 – $499
In Kind Gifts & Services
- Scott Starkey
- Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministry
- Erika Smith and Amanda McNeff
Wish to be a Hunger Hike Event Sponsor?
If so, please call or email us (765-423-2691 | info@hungerhike.org).