All posts by Lafayette Urban Ministry

About Lafayette Urban Ministry

The Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is an organization of more than 47 Christian churches that serves as a social safety net for Lafayette, Indiana's needy children and families.

Hunger Hike Countdown – Only Days To Go


Join Us in the Stand Against Hunger TODAY

The countdown is ON—just days until Hunger Hike 2025, and we need YOU in the Stand Against Hunger — Sunday, September 21, at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a family-friendly, community-powered celebration where individuals, teams, and even your four-legged friends come together to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief.

THE GOAL? $115,000 for hunger relief—locally, regionally, and globally. And with your help, we can smash it. Getting involved is easier than ever:

  • Visit HungerHike.org
  • Kickstart your fundraising journey with one click HERE
  • Text & make an instant impact—just text HHIKE to 50155

Stand Against Hunger! Be a part of something greater than all of us.



Time is short, but the opportunity is HUGE. Assemble your team, rally your network, and let’s make history together. Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

  • DONATE Online – click HERE
  • Support a TEAM – click HERE
  • Support a HIKER – click HERE
  • Become an Event SPONSOR – Call (765) 423-2691 or email info@hungerhike.org
  • DONATE by Mail or In Person – Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901

Hunger won’t wait—why should you? We’re already halfway to our goal. With YOUR help, we can crush it. Join the movement NOW and be part of something that lasts forever.


The event schedule is as follows:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Event begins
  • 2:00 p.m. – Ceremony
  • 2:15 p.m. – Hike starts
  • 3:00 p.m. – Awards & Door Prizes

Hunger Hike is more than just a walk—it’s a chance to make a real difference. Funds raised will support Lafayette Urban MinistryFood Finders Food Bank, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

Together, these organizations provide food, nutrition, and shelter programs in Greater Lafayette, deliver fresh groceries like milk, protein, and eggs to neighbors in need, and offer life-sustaining resources to families in Baudin, Haiti.


Hunger Hike is the perfect event for groups—whether it’s your church, student organization, civic club, workplace, or family. Form a team, register online, and start fundraising TODAY.

For more than 30 yearsHunger Hike has been a cooperative fundraiser that empowers our community to take action against food insecurity.

Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps ensure that children, families, and individuals in need receive the food and support they deserve.

Visit HungerHike.org to register, create your team, and begin fundraising. Together, let’s raise awareness and make a difference in the fight against hunger. For more information, click HERE or email Jen Bushore-Barry at info@HungerHike.org.

Only Days to Hunger Hike 2025

The countdown is on! Hunger Hike 2025 is just 18 days away—Sunday, September 21, at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN. This annual community event unites neighbors, friends, and organizations to raise funds and awareness for the fight against hunger locally, regionally, and globally. Event Schedule:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Event begins
  • 2:00 p.m. – Ceremony
  • 2:15 p.m. – Hike starts
  • 3:00 p.m. – Awards & Door Prizes

Hunger Hike supports Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry—helping families in Greater Lafayette access fresh groceries, nutrition programs, and life-sustaining resources in Haiti. Act Now – Get Involved:

  • Form a Team or Join as an Individual
  • Register & Start Fundraising TODAY
  • Donate online, support a Hiker, or become an Event Sponsor

Every step and every dollar counts. Don’t wait—time is running out!
Visit HungerHike.org to register and make an immediate impact.

Join Hunger Hike & the Fight Against Hunger


Walk with Us to Feed Families Near and Far

Mark your calendars—Hunger Hike 2025 is set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN. This annual community event brings people together to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger locally, regionally, and globally. The event schedule is as follows:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Event begins
  • 2:00 p.m. – Ceremony
  • 2:15 p.m. – Hike starts
  • 3:00 p.m. – Awards & Door Prizes

Hunger Hike is more than just a walk—it’s a chance to make a real difference. Funds raised will support Lafayette Urban MinistryFood Finders Food Bank, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

Together, these organizations provide food, nutrition, and shelter programs in Greater Lafayette, deliver fresh groceries like milk, protein, and eggs to neighbors in need, and offer life-sustaining resources to families in Baudin, Haiti.


Hunger Hike is the perfect event for groups—whether it’s your church, student organization, civic club, workplace, or family. Form a team, register online, and start fundraising TODAY.

  • DONATE Online – click HERE
  • Support a TEAM – click HERE
  • Support a HIKER – click HERE
  • Become an Event SPONSOR – Call (765) 423-2691 or email info@hungerhike.org
  • DONATE by Mail or In Person – Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901

For more than 30 yearsHunger Hike has been a cooperative fundraiser that empowers our community to take action against food insecurity.

Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps ensure that children, families, and individuals in need receive the food and support they deserve.

Visit HungerHike.org to register, create your team, and begin fundraising. Together, let’s raise awareness and make a difference in the fight against hunger. For more information, click HERE or email Jen Bushore-Barry at info@HungerHike.org.

Hunger Hike Wraps Up – Record Breaking Year

Hunger Hike 2024, originally scheduled for September 22, was canceled due to inclement weather to ensure the safety of participants. Despite this, the event achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of $120,156, showcasing the incredible spirit and generosity of our community.

Last month, Hunger Hike director Josh Prokopy distributed the funds. Each agency received $32,368. Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, Kier Crites Muller, chief executive officer & president of Food Finder Food Bank, Inc., and Duane Sellers, Haiti Committee chair of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center, accepted the donations (pictured above). LUM will allocate the funds to support food programs including the LUM Protein Food Pantry, while Food Finder Food Bank will provide protein, milk, and eggs through their Fresh Market Pantry, and the Haiti Committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center will provide hybrid seeds, food, clean drinking water, and medicine to the people of their sister parish in Baudin, Haiti.

The Hunger Hike team extends heartfelt thanks to all event sponsors, fundraisers, and volunteers whose dedication made this achievement possible. Special recognition to the Honorary Co-Chairs: Jack Kellmanson, director of Purdue Rowing & Crew Team and the Purdue Black Cultural Center director, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards. Hunger Hike is a unique event that combats hunger on local, regional, and global levels. With 199 fundraisers and 25 teamsHunger Hike 2024 was a monumental success.

Mark your calendars for the next Hunger Hike on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Let’s come together again to make an even greater impact. The Hunger Hike team can’t wait to see you there!

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:

  1. DONATE ONLINE – Make an Online Donate, HERE
  2. SUPPORT A TEAM – Donate to a Hunger Hike Team, HERE
  3. SUPPORT A HIKER – Donate to a “Hiker,” HERE
  4. EVENT SPONSOR – Become an Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org or call 765-423-2691
  5. 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.


Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

  1. DONATE ONLINE – Make an Online Donate, HERE
  2. SUPPORT A TEAM – Donate to a Hunger Hike Team, HERE
  3. SUPPORT A HIKER – Donate to a “Hiker,” HERE
  4. EVENT SPONSOR – Become an Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org or call 765-423-2691
  5. 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 is still time to join in and make a real difference. Let’s do this together!


Hunger Hike Pushes Forward Despite Rain


Storms Cancel Event But Not the Spirit of Support

Though heavy rain led to the cancellation of all activities, the Hunger Hike 2024 fundraiser continued with remarkable strength and generosity. While we missed gathering as a community in the fight against hunger, the spirit of support was stronger than ever, helping us reach 97% of our $110,000 goal!

Despite not being able to come together in person with the Purdue Crew Team, Purdue Pete, elected officials, local businesses, and school & church groups, the dedication to this vital cause was clear. Donations poured in, showing that our community’s commitment to ending hunger remains resilient. Although we haven’t quite met our goal, we are optimistic and still accepting donations to help close the gap and further strengthen our impact.

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.

{Pictured – a few people showed up and walked the Hunger Hike route even though they knew the festivities were canceled.}


Join the effort to exceed the goal of raising $110,000 to support hunger relief efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

  1. DONATE ONLINE – Make an Online Donate, HERE
  2. SUPPORT A TEAM – Donate to a Hunger Hike Team, HERE
  3. SUPPORT A HIKER – Donate to a “Hiker,” HERE
  4. EVENT SPONSOR – Become an Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org or call 765-423-2691
  5. 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 is still time to join in and make a real difference. Let’s do this together!


Sneak Peek at Hunger Hike


Join us  for the lively Hunger Hike kick-off event, taking place at Riehle Plaza from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Your emcee and dance music provider for the occasion will be DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs.

Details on this year’s festivities are coming soon. But previous years have featured special guests, including Purdue Pete and the Purdue Crew Team, along with a range of FREE activities including Zumba sessions, face paintingballoon animals, rides on the Boilermaker Special, free hot dogs & watermelon courtesy of Meijer, and even soothing massages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration of Hunger Hike!

At 2:00 p.m. – Ceremony
Emceed by Wes Tillett, the event marks the commencement of Hunger Hike, which include:

  • US National Anthem
  • Invocation
  • Brief speeches by representatives of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry, along with the Hunger Hike Honorary Co-Chairs

At 2:15 p.m.Hunger Hike Begins.
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 way, they’ll encounter signs with facts about hunger both here and Greater Lafayette and in Haiti. Everyone who stamps a form to show that they’ve visited each of the signs will be entered into a drawing for some special door prizes.

And those looking to stretch their legs a little more can also take advantage of our extended 4.25K route.

At 3:15 p.m., hikers will return to Riehle Plaza where we will conduct a drawing, as well as giving out trophies to the youngest and oldest walkers, the best new fundraiser, and the best new team.  

Hunger Hike represents not only a vital fundraising initiative but also a vibrant community celebration. The event serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds in support of the valuable efforts of Lafayette Urban MinistryFood Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.


You can Donate online, in person, or by mail; support a team or individual hiker; and even become an event sponsor.

Let’s give that final push to make it happen! Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

  • 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)
  • 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

Assemble a team today and start collecting donations. Don’t hesitate – let’s make a difference together!

Five Ways to Donate to Hunger Hike


It’s super easy, and Hunger Hike is already 80% of the way there!

You can Donate online, in person, or by mail; support a team or individual hiker; and even become an event sponsor.

Let’s give that final push to make it happen! Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

  • 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)
  • 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

With just three days remaining until Hunger Hike, there’s still time to assemble a team and start collecting donations. Don’t hesitate – let’s make a difference together!

Hunger Hike Countdown – Three Days To Go


Join Hunger Hike Today – It’s Not Too Late

Take action NOW and begin your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike 2024, making a significant impact in the fight against hunger! Hunger Hike is a family-friendly, community-driven celebration that welcomes individuals and teams dedicated to raising awareness and joining the battle against hunger. (Plus, it’s dog-friendly!) Join the effort to exceed the goal of raising $110,000 to support hunger relief efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. It’s easier than you think to get involved:

  • Visit HungerHike.org
  • Launch your fundraising journey today by clicking HERE
  • To make a quick donation, simply text HHIKE to 50155

With just three days remaining until Hunger Hike, there’s still time to assemble a team and start collecting donations. Don’t hesitate – let’s make a difference together!

Purdue Leaders Champion Hunger Hike 2024


Meet the 2024 Hunger Hike Cochairs in 10 Days

Two prominent leaders from Purdue University have taken on the role of honorary cochairs for Hunger Hike 2024: Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center, and Jack Kellmanson, head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team. Join us and meet them at Hunger Hike 2024.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Kellmanson are dedicated advocates for Hunger Hike, demonstrating a deep commitment to community service, particularly in support of food assistance and nutrition programs. Their passion for addressing hunger and the power of collective action makes them ideal ambassadors. Both emphasize the importance of Purdue students understanding the challenges faced by their community. They’ve encouraged everyone to start fundraising now to help exceed this year’s $110,000 goal. For details on how to get involved and start fundraising, visit HungerHike.org. Read more about Dr. Edwards & Coach Kellmanson HERE.


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.

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.


Get ready for Hunger Hike 2024, a vibrant community event dedicated to raising awareness and fighting hunger both locally and globally. This year’s event is set to take place at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN, on Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m.

Hunger Hike is a fantastic opportunity for teams, groups, and families to come together in support of vital food programs. Whether you’re part of a church group, student organization, civic club, or just rallying your loved ones, you can make an impact by joining our cause.

Assemble your Hunger Hike team and kick off your fundraising through our easy-to-use online platform or any method that suits you. LUM enthusiastically invites you to be a part of this meaningful effort to combat food insecurity and create a brighter future for those in need. Let’s unite and take steps toward ending hunger!

Get started today—click the button below to begin fundraising, make a donation, or learn more. Together, we can turn our passion into action and create real change! We can’t wait to see you there, ready to hike, raise funds, and support this amazing cause!