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.
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).