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Hunger Hike 2018 – Beautiful Weekend for a Hike


Fighting Hunger with Our Hearts & Soles!


Hunger Hike participants gathered this past Sunday to to raise awareness and funds for food programs locally, regionally & globally — through the good work of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. and the Haiti Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas.

The weather was perfect — and the “hike” along the Wabash River was pleasant and picturesque. The Kick-off event was highlighted by an inspiring keynote from Race Johnson, Purdue Football alumnus as well as remarks from our two Honorary Co-chairsDave Kucik, Purdue Crew & Rowing coach, and Nadine Morgan (for Sharon Versyp), Purdue Women’s Basketball coach. Remarks were also offered by Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, West Lafayette City Council President Peter Bunder, Tippecanoe County Council President Tom Murtaugh and by Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry; Fr. Patrick Baikauskas OP, St. Thomas Aquinas Center; and Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. — our sponsoring organizations.

It began with the crowd cheering with the Purdue Cheerleaders & Purdue Pete and participating in Zumba with Miss Brooke & Kasie from Studio b Dance & Fitness. The US National Anthem was then sung by Jay Alan, Harrison High School senior and YouTube sensation. Throughout the entire event, there was live music by DJ Powder of Rat Pak Mobile DJsface-painting & balloon animals from the Unlimited Smiles Clown Ministry, massages by Lee Anne Akers of Essential Touch Massage, and Voter Registration.

After a blessing from Fr. Patrick Baikauskas OP, the “hikers” were led by Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, Purdue Crew Team and Purdue Women’s Basketball Team up the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge and along the Wabash Heritage Trail. Hunger Hike concluded with a Celebration Picnic with hot dogs, chips & bottled water (courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, Sam’s Club & Aqua Systems).

Hunger Hike for the 26th straight year was successful in bringing much needed attention & funds to the battle against malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger — locally, regionally & globally.

Thanks to all who participated, raised funds, volunteered and donated.


Hunger Hike 2018 – QUICK LINKS:

  • Photos – Hunger Hike 5K Run
  • Photos – HH5K Run – Runners
  • Photos – Hunger Hike Kick-off event & 3K Walk
  • Results – HH5K Run by Category
  • Results – HH5K Run Overall

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Hunger Hike

Introducing the Hunger Hike Keynote – Race Johnson


Purdue Football Alumnus to Give Keynote

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).


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Hunger Hike