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Hunger Hike 2015 Raises $101,282
Hunger Hike Exceeds 2015 Fundraising Goal
At a 
celebration this past Monday, it was announced that Hunger Hike 2015 not only raised a record amount but also exceeded the 2015 fundraising goal. For the first time in the 50 year history of Hunger Hike — the amount raised exceeded $100,000. The total is $100,282 in cash donations plus $1,000 in donations of gift cards.
Special thanks to the Lafayette Life Foundation for our final 2015 donation of $5,000 which took us over top.
A majority of the money comes from local churches and their fundraising efforts. The top church fundraisers this year were as follows:
- St. Thomas Aquinas ($26,351),
- Chapel of the Good Shepherd ($4,050),
- St. Andrew United Methodist ($3,900) &
- Bethany Presbyterian ($3,367).
Hunger Hike was also blessed with donations from many local companies. The top event sponsor donations this year were as follows:
- Walmart/Sam’s Club Foundation ($6,000),
- Lafayette Life Foundation ($5,000),
- Alcoa Foundation ($4,300) &
- Bison Financial Group ($2,000).
On hand for the celebration were two of the Hunger Hike honorary co-chairs —
- Coach Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s
Basketball and - Coach David Kucik, Purdue Crew {pictured above};
- representatives for the City of Lafayette, St. Tom’s, Good Shepherd;
- as well as event sponsors:
- Steven Wien, Bison Financial Group &
- Kelli Luttrell, Alcoa {pictured right}.
The celebration was capped off with the presentation of checks to representatives of the three sponsoring organizations —
- Rob Pahl, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry,
- Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. &
- Susie Riley, Lafayette Urban Ministry {pictured below}.
Hunger Hike 2015 raised a grand total of $101,282
($1,000 in gift cards), with each organization receiving $33,760.
The proceeds from Hunger Hike 2015 will have a tremendous & immedi
ate positive impact on the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Thank you all again for making history this year at Hunger Hike.
Please mark your calendars for next year’s Hunger Hike event weekend — September 17 & 18, 2016. More information may be found on the Hunger Hike website at www.hungerhike.org.
If you wish to become a Hunger Hike 2016 event sponsor, please call or email Joe Micon (765-423-2691 | jmicon@lumserve.org).
If you wish to make an individual donation to Hunger Hike, click HERE.
More photos from the recent Hunger Hike celebration may be found HERE.
Top 2015 Hunger Hike Fundraisers Honored
Hunger Hike 2015 — 95% to Goal — So Far
Since Hunger Hike 2015 weekend, our fundraising committee has been hard at work raising more funds. Many individuals donations have also come in since September. Thus far approximately $95,000 has been pledged & donated to Hunger Hike. Our goal to raise $100,000 is so very close. Working together this goal can be achieved.
Top 2015 Hunger Hike Fundraisers Honored
At a recent LUM Board of Directors Meeting the top Hunger Hike fundraisers in three categories were honored and presented with trophies. The three categories are Top Individual Fundraiser, Top Church Fundraisers, and Top Group (non-church) Fundraisers.
The Top Three Church Fundraisers for 2015 Hunger Hike are as follows:
- 1st Place—St. Thomas Aquinas Center—$26,241. Accepting are Rob Pahl, Lauri Mitchell & John Ginda (pictured above, left);
- 2nd Place—Chapel of the Good Shepherd—$ 4,477. Accepting is Mark Thomas (pictured above, center);
- 3rd Place—St. Andrew United Methodist Church —$3,899. Accepting is Melissa Martin (pictured above, right).
The Top Group Fundraisers—
Computer Science Learning Community at Purdue University—$1,030.
Accepting is their advisor, Scott Nelson (pictured left).
The Top Individual Fundraiser—
Fr. Patrick Baikaukas, OP—$6,786.
(pictured right with Joe Micon, LUM executive director).
Ways YOU Can Help
Ways the YOU can help us reach our fundraising goal of $100,000. Some suggestions on how you can donate and raise funds for our Fight Against Hunger:
- Reach out to your friends and family—use Social Media, email, text
- Donate NOW online to Hunger Hike, click HERE
- Donate by mail— make checks payable to Hunger Hike, and mail to Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Donate in person— stop by the LUM Office
(420 N 4th Street, Lafayette), M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Donate to a Team or Fundraiser, click HERE
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 Photo Memories
Check out this year’s photos 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 — and generate more donations.
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.
Hunger Hike Dignitaries – 2015
Before hundreds of Hunger Hikers hit the road for the 3K Walk, several dignitaries shared their excitement & offered remarks on the importance of this event.
Pictured L to R: Dave Kucik, Purdue Crew Team & Rowing coach, Purdue Pete, Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP, pastor/director of campus ministries, St. Thomas Aquinas; Nadine Morgan, Purdue Women’s Basketball assoc. head coach; Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball coach; Judge Faith Graham; Joe Micon, LUM executive director; Peter Bunder, West Lafayette City Council president; Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative; Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank executive director; Nancy Nargi, Lafayette City Council member; and Mayor Tony Roswarski, City of Lafayette. Not pictured: Dave Byers, Tippecanoe County Commissioner and Ron Alting, Indiana State Senator.
Special thanks to all of our dignitaries and Shamus from K105 Radio for their continued support of Hunger Hike.
Hunger Hike HEROES – 2015
Everyone was encouraged to be a Hunger Hike HERO — and several stepped up to the challenge. Hunger Hike Heroes are individuals who participated in both the HH5K Run on Saturday & the Hunger Hike 3K Walk on Sunday — and raised at least $50.
This year the Hunger Hike Heroes who stepped up to the challenge to run, hike and raise money to Fight Hunger are as follows:
- Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP
- Jeremiah Dole
- Alain El Howayek
- Daniel Keilman
- Joe Micon
- Patti O’Callaghan
- Rev. Bradley Pace
- Genevieve Viduya
HH5K Run — Race to Feed the Hungry
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
- Women—1st: Isabella Garcia, 2nd: Katie Micon, 3rd: Emily Rigsbee
- 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.
HH5K Run results, click HERE; PHOTOS, click HERE.
Hunger Hike 2024 – September 22
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.
Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:
- DONATE ONLINE – Make an Online Donate, HERE
- SUPPORT A TEAM – Donate to a Hunger Hike Team, HERE
- SUPPORT A HIKER – Donate to a “Hiker,” HERE
- 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)
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 Hike 2024, even from afar. Your dedication proves that, rain or shine, our mission to fight hunger is unshakable. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
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:
- Sunday, September 21, 2025
- 1 p.m. – Event begins; 2 p.m. – Hike starts
- Riehle Plaza, Lafayette
- MORE DETAILED SCHEDULE – click HERE
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:
Help us Fight Hunger
Hunger Hike is a unique cooperative fundraiser with a history stretching back more than 30 years. The money raised will be shared evenly between Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the Saint Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.
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.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Jack Kellmanson
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
Director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center
…………………….
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.
If you would like to become a Hunger Hike Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org for more information.
Hunger Hike – A Weekend to Remember
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 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.
Hunger Hike — Not Quite There Yet
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 $83,000 has 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:
- Donate online to Hunger Hike, click HERE
- Donate by mail— make checks payable to Hunger Hike, and mail to Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Donate in person— stop by the LUM Office
(420 N 4th Street, Lafayette), M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Donate to a Team or Fundraiser, click HERE
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.
Saturday, September 19, 2015