The purpose of the Hunger Hike 5K Run is to use physical exercise to draw attention to and funds for “Feeding the Hungry.” This past Saturday, more than 75 runners and speed-walkers took part in the HH5K Run 2015 — the Race to Feed the Hungry. The stormy weather cleared up just in time for the start of the run, and it was a cool morning, the skies were clear and the sun was shining — a perfect day for a race.
The HH5K Run 2015 convened at Celery Bog Nature Area (Cumberland Ave., West Lafayette) with start/finish on the Cattail Trail through the beautiful Celery Bog Nature Area. The latest “chip technology” was used to give all runners an accurate race result time.
The HH5K Run winners are as follows:
Youth—1st: Robbie Burton, 2nd: Colin Frier, 3rd: Holly Perdue
Men—1st: Matthew Hoelle (not pictured), 2nd: Jordan Kehl, 3rd: Gautam Bhayani
The 2015 Hunger Hike 5K Run gave serious runners an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while enjoying a 5K event on a new and scenic trail.
Mark your calendars for Hunger Hike 2025! Join us the afternoon of Sunday, September 21, 2025. If you wish to make a donation to Hunger Hike, click the button below. If you are interested in becoming a Hunger Hike event sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org. {MORE DETAILED SCHEDULE – click HERE.}
It’s not too late to become a participant. 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:
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. Here’s how to get started:
EVENT SPONSOR – Become an Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org or call 765-423-2691
DONATE BY MAIL or IN PERSON – Mail in or drop off a donation (Make your check payable to Hunger Hike; Mail or Drop off to — Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901)
Hunger Hike 2024 Exceeded Expectations
Hunger Hike Raised More Than $114,000…So Far
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Hunger Hike has surpassed the $110,000 goal, raising over $114,000! Together, our community is making a real and lasting impact on hunger relief locally, regionally, and globally. Your support is a testament to the power of collective action, and the Hunger Hike team couldn’t be more grateful.
There’s still time to be part of this amazing effort—Hunger Hike is continuing to accept donations. Whether you’ve already given or are considering joining in, every donation counts. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in the fight to end hunger. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported Hunger Hike2024, even from afar. Your dedication proves that, rain or shine, our mission to fight hunger is unshakable. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
Lafayette Urban Ministry will use the money to advance their mission of tackling basic human needs and uplifting the people of Greater Lafayette by funding food, nutrition, and shelter programs for unhoused individuals, at-risk children, and working families.
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. will use the money to provide protein, milk, and eggs in Tippecanoe County through their Fresh Market Pantry.
Haiti Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Center will use the money to provide hybrid seeds, food, clean drinking water, medicine and more to the people of Baudin parish, Haiti.
David W. Kucik Director of Rowing & Head Men’s Coach | Purdue Rowing & Crew Team
Jack Kellmanson began rowing in 2011 in Jacksonville, FL, where he got his start in the sport sculling, competing at the junior level in the 1x and 2x. Jack continued his rowing career at the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the F8 which took silver at ACRA in 2018, as well as a member of the V8 his junior and senior years, which unfortunately saw limited racing opportunities due to the global pandemic. Jack’s most influential experience as an athlete was serving as the training partner to world champion Swiss single sculler Jeannine Gmelin in 2019 under coach Robin Dowell, who, along with Virginia coach Frank Biller, Jack cites as his inspirations for beginning his coaching career. Jack joins Purdue from the University of Illinois. Under Jack, the program achieved numerous bests and firsts, most excitingly at ACRA 2024 with the program’s first ever medal in an 8 (WN8 – 3rd, 2024), and highest ever team points finish. Jack is most proud of the growth of the team and commitment of the athletes he coached, seeing the team’s roster size more than double since coming to the program. Jack brings to Purdue his love for the sport, a focus on holistic athlete development and team culture, and a deep appreciation for club rowing. He is thrilled to be joining the rich tradition of Purdue crew and leading the program into its next chapter.
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.
The Hunger Hike 2015 events were spectacular — filled with great excitement, high energy and genuine good will. The weather cleared up just in time for the HH5K Run on Saturday and was picture perfect on Sunday for the traditional Hunger Hike 3K Walk. Hundreds of caring individuals walked, ran, hiked, and donated funds to the Fight Against Hunger.
The crowd gathered together in Riehle Plaza with one goal in mind – Fighting Hunger.
The event this year was special from beginning to end — starting with the Purdue Cheerleaders & Purdue Pete, National Anthem sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker & her daughter, Kelly Jacobs, director of music for the Cathedral of St. Mary; Zumba with Brooke & Kasie from Studio b Dance & Fitness — closing with a Celebration Picnic with hot dogs, chips & bottled water for all participants — and music throughout the entire event by DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs.
Riehle plaza also included face-painting & balloon animals from the Unlimited Smiles Clown Ministry, and massages from Raleigh Barrett from Innerwaves Massage Therapy. To welcome the hikers and to kick-off the hike, special guest speakers (see below) offered remarks which included information, words of inspiration and blessings to the hikers just before the main event. Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, Boilermaker Special, Purdue Crew Team, Purdue Basketball Team & Purdue Volleyball Team led the hikers to the route over the Leslie Bridge into West Lafayette, through Wabash Landing, along the Wabash River and by the Purdue Boathouse. The event was successful in bringing much needed attention & funds to the battle against malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger.
Hunger Hike
Hunger Hike Photo Memories
All of the greatest moments of the Hunger Hike 2015 weekend were captured in photos. Check them out 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.
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.
Most of the donations have been counted for Hunger Hike 2015, and our goal has not been met yet for this year. We are just “not quite there yet.”
Thus far approximately $83,000has been pledged & donated to Hunger Hike
Our goal to raise $100,000 is so very close. Each year 15% of Hunger Hike donations are made in the two months AFTER Hunger Hike. Working together this goal can be achieved.
Working Together to Reach Our Goal
Hunger Hike fundraisers and teams should send one more message to your friends & family requesting a donation. A sample message may be found HERE. Also you’re encouraged to use the tools in First-Giving to send messages & share your page on Facebook or Twitter.
Other options to donate and join our Fight Against Hunger are as follows:
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 2015 is one of the most well respected and longest running fundraising events in our community. What’s special about this event is the focus on simply Fighting Hunger & Feeding Families.
This year there will be face painting, Zumba, massages, hot dogs, and music — and you’ll be able to meet Purdue Pete & cheerleaders, the Purdue Volleyball & Women’s Basketball teams and three Purdue coaches as well as see the Boilermaker Special. Keep raising money for Hunger Hike until we meet our goal — and join us for the Hunger Hike events this weekend to celebrate.
Hunger Hike
Hunger Hike details and schedule is as follows:
Hunger Hike Kick-Off event Sunday, September 20 Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette
1:15 p.m.
Purdue Cheerleaders perform
National Anthem: Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative & Kelly Jacobs
Zumba warm-up with Brooke from Studio b Dance & Fitness, Lafayette
Starting at Noon
Check-in and turn in your donations — Enjoy DJ Powder, Clowns, Face painting, Massages, snacks and more
1:45 p.m.
Kick-Off ceremony with
Coach Nadine Morgan, Coach David Kucik & Coach Dave Shondell, Coach Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton
State Representatives Sheila Klinker & Ron Alting
Mayor Tony Roswarski, Lafayette
Peter Bunder, West Lafayette City Council president
Sally Seigrist, Tippecanoe County Council member
Judge Faith Graham & Judge Sean Persin
Shamus from K105 Radio!
Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry
Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, St. Thomas Aquinas Center
Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
2 p.m. — Hunger Hike begins, led by
Purdue Pete
Purdue Cheerleaders
Boilermaker Special
Purdue Women’s Basketball & Volleyball teams
Purdue Rowing & Crew Team
End of Hike —Riehle Plaza — Celebration Picnic with Hot dogs, chips & bottled water
HH5K Run Saturday, September 19 Celery Bog Nature Area, 1780 Cumberland Ave., West Lafayette
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. — Check-in
9 a.m.
Welcome – Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry
Celebrity runners introduced – 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
Invocation – Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, St. Thomas Aquinas Center
After Run
Results posted
Trophies – top female, male & youth runners
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 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.
face-painting & balloon animals from the Unlimited Smiles Clown Ministry, and massages from Raleigh Barrett from 
Saturday, September 19, 2015
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.