Tackling Hunger Needs – Regionally & Globally

Hunger Hike 2021 returned to Riehle Plaza in downtown Lafayette (IN) this past Sunday, September 19, and was a tremendous success. The outdoor kickoff event began with a blessing by the Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke, a spirited cheer from the Purdue Cheerleaders & Purdue Pete, and live music from Briton Weise (former LUM staff member). The US National Anthem was sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker & her daughter, Kelly Jacobs. In addition, there was a DJ, face-painting, balloon animals, clowns, and enchanted princesses. 

In attendance and offering support (pictured above) were local religious leaders and dignitaries including Indiana State Representative Chris Campbell, West Lafayette City Clerk Sana Booker, and West Lafayette City Council member Kathy Parker. Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Nate Walker & Katie Gearlds made an appearance.

Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, and the Purdue Crew Team led the hikers up the Wabash Heritage Trail along the Wabash River. In addition to strict safety and health protocols, participants were offered water and chips. {To view the local news story, click HERE.}
For 29 years, Hunger Hike has brought much needed attention — and raised more than $2.2 million — to overcome malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger locally, regionally & globally. So far this year, close to $110,000 has been raised. And YES! You still may donate to Hunger Hike, a Hunger Hike Team, or a “Hiker.” To donate by text, text HHIKE to 71777. Help Hunger Hike 2021 exceed last year’s total of $125,000.

Hunger Hike is one of longest running & well-respected fundraising events. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event. Thank you to all of our passionate participants & generous sponsors for another spirited (and safe) outdoor event. Go to HungerHike.org.

Coach Nathan Walker – Honorary Co-Chair

At a recent event, Hunger Hike announced the 2021 Honorary Co-chair — Nathan Walker, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach.

Coach Walker was named head coach in July. He is a Purdue alumnus and before returning to Purdue most recently led the rowing program at Culver Academies. {Pictured L to R: Duane Sellers, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry; Coach Nathan Walker; Katy Bunder, CEO/president, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; and Wes Tillett, LUM executive director.}

Coach Walker shared that he is excited about Hunger Hike for three reason. First, the event raises money for vital food and nutrition programs and support. Second, as a Purdue student he participated in Hunger Hike and is honored to return in this new role. And lastly, he is proud to continue the tradition of engaging the Purdue rowing athletes in Hunger Hike, started by his former coach and predecessor, Coach Dave Kucik. Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, is thrilled that Coach Walker supports Hunger Hike, and the Purdue student athletes will continue to play an important role in the kick-off event on Riehle Plaza on Sunday, September 19.

Start a Team – Start Raising Funds – Why Wait?

Join us for Hunger Hike 2021 and support the important work of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the Haiti Mission at St. Thomas Aquinas. Even as the US economy begins to recover from the effects of the pandemic, millions of people are still out of work, facing eviction, and struggling to put food on the table.

The need is as great as ever, and YOU can be part of the solution.  Sign up now, and HELP FIGHT HUNGER! Let’s beat last year’s record and raise $125,000 for the hunger relief efforts locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike details are as follows:

• Challenge Week – September 12 to September 19
• Set a personal challenge and share it with your supporters: walk 100 steps, bike 100 miles, fast for 2 days, go without meat for a week, or
• SNAP Challenge – Take the SNAP Challenge and try to feed your family on the average SNAP benefit of $30 a person for the week. 
• Kick Off Event – Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. join us in Riehle Plaza for our annual celebration and 3K walk. Enjoy:
• Live MUSIC from Briton Wiese, former LUM shelter director
• ZUMBA with Studio b, clowns, face painting, balloon animals, massages, and a hotdog picnic
• And NEW this year, pose for photos with our three costumed princesses
• Three Easy Ways to sign up:
• go to hungerhike.org | Click HERE | Text HHIKE to 71777

For more information, check out our short video, “How to Set Up your Hunger Hike Fundraising Page.” 

It’s only 37 days to Hunger Hike. Why wait? Start a team and start raising funds. Get started TODAY!

Support Food Programs Locally & Globally

Last year’s virtual Hunger Hike was an incredible success, raising more than $120,000 for Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the Haiti Mission at St. Thomas Aquinas. But even as the US economy begins to recover from the effects of the pandemic, millions of people are still out of work, facing eviction, and struggling to put food on the table.

The need is as great as ever, and YOU can be part of the solution.  Sign up now, and help fight hunger! Let’s beat last year’s record and raise $125,000 for the hunger relief efforts locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike details are as follows:

• September 12 to September 19 is Challenge Week. 
• Set a personal challenge and share it with your supporters: walk 100 steps, bike 100 miles, fast for 2 days, go without meat for a week, or
• Take the SNAP Challenge and try to feed your family on the average SNAP benefit of $30 a person for the week. 
• Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. join us in Riehle Plaza for our annual celebration and 3K walk. Enjoy:
• Live MUSIC from Briton Wiese, former LUM shelter director
• ZUMBA with Studio b, clowns, face painting, balloon animals, massages, and a hotdog picnic
• And NEW this year, pose for photos with our three costumed princesses
• Three Easy Ways to sign up:
• go to hungerhike.org | Click HERE | Text HHIKE to 71777

For more information, check out our short video, “How to Set Up your Hunger Hike Fundraising Page.” Hunger Hike is only 59 days away. Why wait? Get started TODAY!

Wanted Teams, Hikers, Donors & More

There are only 45 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW?  Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.” 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.

Hunger Hike – An Exciting New Twist

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.