Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a year of great changes for Hunger Hike, and the event is going to be unique and more exciting than ever. Hunger Hike 2020 will kick off on Sunday, September 13 starting a week-long challenge for “Hikers” and “Teams.” Individuals & groups can create online fundraising pages for themselves and their team and begin fundraising today. They will also be encouraged to create a “personal challenge” for the week or participate in a leaderboard challenge with other members of their fundraising team to see who can get the most steps — using a mobile app.
The centerpiece of the event will take place on Sunday, September 20 at 1:00 pm with the Hunger Hike livestream event, featuring local celebrities, speakers and entertainment to help celebrate and raise funds for Hunger Hike. The hike raises money to support the important work of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.
The Hunger Hike 2019 goal, $100,000, has not been met yet, but we are so very close. Each year 15% of the donations are made AFTER Hunger Hike. Working together this goal can be achieved.
To learn how you still can support Hunger Hike and help us reach our goal, go to hungerhike.org.
The programs at LUM, Food Finders and St. Thomas Aquinas are depending on you. Thanks.
Hunger Hike 2019 — Spirited & Passionate Crowd
Hunger Hike 2019 on Sunday, September 22, drew a big crowd with passionate participants wanting to make a difference. Despite predictions of thunderstorms, it turned out to be a perfect autumn afternoon. The “Hike” was pleasant and picturesque.
It began with a blessing, a spirited cheer from the Purdue Cheerleaders and Purdue Pete, and the traditional Zumba Warm Up led by Miss Brooke, Kasie & Amanda from Studio b Dance & Fitness. The US National Anthem was then sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker and her daughter, Kelly Jacobs. There was also live music, face-painting, balloon animals, massages, and voter registration.
Before the Hike kicked off there was an inspiring keynote from Coach Sharon Versyp, the Hunger Hike honorary co-chair, as well as remarks from Jason Mitchell, Purdue Crew assistant coach; Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski; West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis; and State Representatives Chris Campbell & Sheila Klinker.
Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, and the Purdue Crew Team led the hikers up the Wabash Heritage Trail along the Wabash River. Hunger Hike concluded with a Celebration Picnic with hot dogs, chips & bottled water for all participants.
For 27 years, Hunger Hike has brought much needed attention & funds to the battle against malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger locally, regionally & globally. Thank you to all of our participants & sponsors for another epic event.
Hunger Hike
Purdue Boilermaker Spirit at Hunger Hike
In addition to the two Purdue coaches serving as 2019 honorary co-chairs (see below), Hunger Hike featured Purdue Pete, the Purdue Cheer team and the Boilermaker Special.
The Purdue Cheer team performed with Purdue Pete right before Zumba.
Thanks to Purdue Athletics and the Purdue Reamer Club for their support.
Zumba Warm Up – Annual Hunger Hike Tradition
One of the highlights of Hunger Hike each year is the Zumba warm-up presented by Studio b Dance & Fitness (downtown Lafayette).
Zumba followed the blessing and Purdue cheerleaders.
Miss Brooke (studio owner), Amanda & Kasie (fitness instructors) brought the Hunger Hike crowd to their feet with the annual Zumba warm-up.
Studio b Dance & Fitness was recently recognized as the Small Business of the Year.
Indiana State Rep. Klinker to Sing National Anthem
Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative, will kick-off Hunger Hike sang of the US National Anthem with her daughter, Kelly Jacobs.
State Representative Sheila Klinker was first elected in 1982 to represent District 27. A proud Boilermaker alumna, Klinker taught for more than 34 years in the Lafayette School Corporation and served as the Outreach Liaison for the Purdue School of Education for 15 years. As a college student, Klinker was named “Miss Purdue” and finished as second runner-up in the “Miss Indiana” contest. Klinker lives in Lafayette with her husband, Victor. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Co-Chairs — Purdue Coaches Versyp & Kucik
The Hunger Hike 2019 honorary co-chairs were Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp (women’s basketball) & Dave Kucik (men’s & women’s crew & rowing).
Coaches Versyp & Kucik are perfect ambassadors for Hunger Hike. Both set the bar high for their own work and their teams. They have a serious commitment to serving their community — especially in supporting food assistance and nutrition programs. Participants were able to meet them and the student-athletes as well as see a Purdue Crew team “shell.”
Music from RatPak’s “DJ Powder” Starts (Noon – 3:30 p.m.)
DJ Powder created a fun, family friendly, festive environment during the kick-off of Hunger Hike.
Hot Dog Picnic Clowns, Massages, Voter Registration & More
At Hunger Hike, there was a Hot Dog Picnic with free hot dogs, bottled water & chips. Hunger Hike also included clowns, face painting, balloon animals, massages, and voter registration. Hunger Hike is thankful for the support of our many sponsors — including:
Everyone who raised more than $50 was presented with a 2019 Hunger Hike T-shirt at check-in on Sunday, September 22 at Riehle Plaza. Participants can now wear them in pride knowing that they have made a difference in the Fight Against Hunger.
It is not too late to start raising money for Hunger Hike — and secure your official 2019 T-shirt. Just go to the Hunger Hike website and get started today — hungerhike.org.
There are only 8 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW? 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.
Noon – Check-in & DJ music; 1 p.m. – Kick-off event begins; 1:15 p.m. – Zumba, Purdue Pete & Boilermaker Special; 2 p.m. – Hike starts; 3 p.m. – Hot Dog Picnic
Riehle Plaza, 2nd Street, Lafayette
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 other way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
There are only 37 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW? 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.
Noon – Check-in & DJ music; 1 p.m. – Kick-off event begins; 1:15 p.m. – Zumba, Purdue Pete & Boilermaker Special; 2 p.m. – Hike starts; 3 p.m. – Hot Dog Picnic
Riehle Plaza, 2nd Street, Lafayette
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 other way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
There are only 44 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW? 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.
Noon – Check-in & DJ music; 1 p.m. – Kick-off event begins; 1:15 p.m. – Zumba, Purdue Pete & Boilermaker Special; 2 p.m. – Hike starts; 3 p.m. – Hot Dog Picnic
Riehle Plaza, 2nd Street, Lafayette
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 other way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
There are only 58 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW? 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.
Noon – Check-in & DJ music; 1 p.m. – Kick-off event begins; 1:15 p.m. – Zumba, Purdue Pete & Boilermaker Special; 2 p.m. – Hike starts; 3 p.m. – Hot Dog Picnic
Riehle Plaza, 2nd Street, Lafayette
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 other way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
Race Johnson, Purdue alumnus & former Boilermaker football player, will offer remarks to kick off this year’s Hunger Hike THIS Sunday, September 16 at 1:30 p.m. at Riehle Plaza (N 2nd Street, Lafayette). Throughout his life, Race has worked hard and has had a special commitment to serving his community as an individual, as an athlete and with his family and church — and he’s eager to share his story THIS Sunday.
Son of Bill & Jill Johnson, Race was born in Indianapolis and grew up in Carmel. Race has a younger brother, Steele, and younger sister, Hollyn. Steele is a diver at Purdue who has won four NCAA championships and a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.
A high school athlete, Race joined the Purdue football team as a walkon in 2013. He was an Academic All-Big Ten player who played in three games in 2015, and eight games in 2016. Race earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Purdue University (West Lafayette) in May 2017. He is currently a member of the Lugar Real Estate Team in Indianapolis.
Join us THIS Sunday to meet Race and hear his remarks at the Hunger Hike kick-off event at 1:30 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).
Introducing the Hunger Hike 2018 Co-Chairs Coach Sharon Versyp & Coach David Kucik
The Hunger Hike 2018 co-chairs are Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp (women’s basketball) & Dave Kucik (men’s & women’s crew & rowing).
Coaches Versyp & Kucik are perfect ambassadors for Hunger Hike. Both have a high standard for their own work, hold their teams to a high standard and have a serious commitment to serving their community — especially in supporting food assistance and nutrition programs. As wonderful role models they will also be engaging the collegiate athletes on their teams in this Hunger Hike event.
Join us THIS Sunday to meet Coaches Sharon Versyp & Dave Kucik and hear their remarks at the Hunger Hike kick-off event at 1:30 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).
Hunger Hike is fortunate to get the support of many sponsors. All of the printing, food & drink, massage services, banners & trophies at Hunger Hike have been donated. Here are some of our generous donors:
Printing – Instant Copy Printing, Lafayette
Bottled Water – Aqua Systems, Lafayette
Hot Dogs – Texas Roadhouse, Lafayette
Chips – Sam’s Club, Lafayette
Water, Bananas, Granola Bars – Pay Less Super Market, West Lafayette
Trophies – Awards Unlimited, Inc., Lafayette
Massages – Essential Touch Massage, Lafayette
Face Painting – Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministry, Laffy-ette Chapter
At Hunger Hike on Sunday, September 16, there will be free hot dogs, bottled water, face painting and massages. At the HH5K Run on Saturday, September 15, there will be bagels, bananas, granola bars & bottled water available for all of the 5K run participants . Please thank our Hunger Hike sponsors by visiting them soon. For more information on Hunger Hike 2018, go to hungerhike.org.
Fighting Against Hunger with all of our Hearts & Soles!
| Hunger Hike – Kick-off Event | Sunday, September 16 | | Riehle Plaza | 2 p.m. |
| HH5K Run | Saturday, September 15 |
| Celery Bog Nature Area | 9 a.m. |
DJ Powder creates a fun, family friendly environment during registration and leading up to the kick-off of Hunger Hike from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 16 at Riehle Plaza.
Please join us and enjoy the music presented by DJ Powder of Rat Pak — and to support Hunger Hike — Fighting Hunger with our whole Hearts & Soles. For more information on Hunger Hike 2018, go to hungerhike.org.
Fighting Against Hunger with all of our Hearts & Soles!
| Hunger Hike – Kick-off Event | Sunday, September 16 | | Riehle Plaza | 2 p.m. |
| HH5K Run | Saturday, September 15 |
| Celery Bog Nature Area | 9 a.m. |
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The Hunger Hike 2018 co-chairs are Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp (women’s basketball) & Dave Kucik (men’s & women’s crew & rowing).
