Category Archives: LUM

Hunger Hike 2016 Raises $114,407

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Hunger Hike Exceeds Fundraising Goal AGAIN!

Hunger HikeAt a celebration this morning, it was announced that Hunger Hike 2016 not only raised a record amount but also exceeded the 2016 fundraising goal. For the second year in a row the amount raised exceeded $100,000 — and for the fourth consecutive year it is the highest amount ever raised.

The 2016 total is $114,407 plus numerous gifts in kind.

Photos from this event may be viewed HERE.

Special thanks to Diamond Level event sponsors —

  • Walmart/Sam’s Club ($7,750)
  • the Lafayette Life Foundation ($5,000)

Total raised through corporate gifts is $39,665. To view all of our event sponsors, click HERE.

A majority of the money comes from local churches and their fundraising efforts. The top church fundraisers this year are as follows:

The top organization/group teams are as follows:

  • Purdue Computer Science ($1,286)
  • Food Finders ($1,170)
  • Grandma’s Bunch ($862)

The celebration was capped off with the presentation of checks to representatives of the three sponsoring organizations —

Each sponsoring agency received $35,977.

The proceeds from Hunger Hike 2016 will have a tremendous & immediate 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 16 & 17, 2017.

More information may be found on the Hunger Hike website at www.hungerhike.org.

If you wish to become a Hunger Hike 2017 event sponsor, please call or email Joe Micon (765-423-2691 | jmicon@lumserve.org).

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Hunger Hike

HH5K Run – 2016 Winners

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2016-09-16-hh5k-013-2-1280x856

On Saturday, September 17, local runners took part in the HH5K Run—the Race to Feed the Hungry—at Celery Bog Nature Area with start/finish on the Cattail Trail through the Celery
Bog Nature Area. The rain cleared up just in time for the run, and it was a cool but cloudy morning — not a bad day for a race.

youth-winnersfemale-winnersmale-winners

The HH5K Run winners are as follows:

  • Youth —
    • 1st: Rob Burton
    • 2nd: Courtney Seger
  • Women —
    • 1st: Katie Micon
    • 2nd: Lauren Harer
    • 3rd: Sarah Carignan
  • Men —
    • 1st: Nick Burton
    • 2nd: Colin Williams
    • 3rd: Robby Stewart

These runners supported these outstanding local organizations while enjoying a 5K event on a scenic trail.

  • HH5K Run RESULTS, click HERE
  • To view HH5K Run PHOTOS, click HERE.
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Hunger Hike

Hunger Hike 2016 — Legendary Event

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2016-09-18-hunger-hike-531-2-1280x1280Participants gathered with one common goal—to raise awareness and raise funds for food programs locally, regionally & globally — through the work of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders and the Haiti Ministry at St. Tom’s. The events this past weekend though — offered even more.

This year was special from beginning to end. Before it all began the crowd was treated to Zumba with Brooke & Kasie from Studio b Dance & Fitness and the National Anthem sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker & her daughter, Kelly Jacobs, director of music for the Cathedral of St. Mary. Throughout the entire event , there was live music by DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs, face-painting & balloon animals from the Unlimited Smiles Clown Ministry, and massages from Lee Anne Akers of Essential Touch Massage.

Amanda Elmore, US Olympic Gold Medalist (pictured above), gave a rousing keynote address preceded by remarks from Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball coach; Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball coach; Dave Kucik, Purdue Rowing coach; Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative; John Dennis, West Lafayette Mayor; Tony Roswarski, Lafayette Mayor; Joe Micon, LUM executive director; Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP, pastor/director of campus ministries, St. Thomas Aquinas; Katy Bunder, CEO/president, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; and Kyle Mann, Walmart Market Manager.

Amanda Elmore also kicked off the Hunger Hike. Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, Purdue Crew Team, Purdue Women’s Basketball Team & Purdue Volleyball Team then led the hikers up the John T. Myers Bridge and on the Wabash Heritage Trail along the Wabash River. Hunger Hike concluded with a Celebration Picnic with hot dogs, chips & bottled water for all participants (Thanks to Texas Roadhouse, Frito Lay & Aqua Systems).

Hunger Hike once again successfully brought much needed attention & funds to the battle against malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger.

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Hunger Hike

Hunger Hike THIS Weekend – Schedule of Events

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| Raise $$ | Make a Big Donation | Celebrate at Hunger Hike |

47056 Hunger Hike 2016Hunger Hike Kick-Off

Sunday, September 20 at Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette. The Hunger Hike schedule is as follows:

Noon
— Check-in and turn in your donations
DJ Powder, Boilermaker Special, Clowns, Face painting, Balloon animals, Massages, Voter registration and more

1:15 p.m.
— Purdue Pete & Purdue Cheerleaders
— National Anthem: Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative & Kelly Jacobs
—Zumba warm-up with Brooke, Studio b Dance & Fitness, Lafayette

1:45 p.m.
— Kick-Off ceremony with the following:

  • Amanda Elmore, US Olympic Gold Medalist
  • Coach Sharon Versyp, Coach David Kucik & Coach Dave Shondell
  • State Representatives Sheila Klinker & Ron Alting
  • Mayor Tony Roswarski, Lafayette
  • Mayor John Dennis, West Lafayette
  • Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry
  • Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, St. Thomas Aquinas Center
  • Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
  • Kyle Mann, Walmart

2 p.m.
— Hunger Hike begins, led by

  • Purdue Pete
  • Purdue Cheerleaders
  • Purdue Crew Team
  • Purdue Women’s Basketball & Volleyball teams

End of Hike
— Celebration Picnic—Hot dogs, chips & bottled water
Thanks to Texas Roadhouse, Frito Lay & Aqua Systems
Hunger Hike 5K Run event details and schedule is as follows:

LUM-HUNGR-HK-5kRunRevisionHH5K Run

Saturday, September 19 at 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
  • Invocation – Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, St. Thomas Aquinas Center

After Run

  • Results posted
  • Trophies – top female, male & youth runners

For more information on HH5K Run and Hunger Hike, please visit and explore our website at www.hungerhike.org.

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Hunger Hike

Hunger Hike Keynote – Amanda Elmore – US Olympic Gold Medalist

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47056 Hunger Hike 2016Amanda Elmore, US Olympic Gold Medalist, Purdue Alumna & Harrison High Graduate to Speak at
Hunger Hike 2016 — Sunday, September 18

West Lafayette, IN – The Hunger Hike planning team is excited to announce that Amanda Elmore, Olympic Gold Medalist (US Rowing), Purdue Alumna & Harrison High Graduate is scheduled to attend and speak at Hunger Hike 2016 Kick-off event. Details are as follows:

  • Date: Sunday, September 18
  • Times: Noon – 2 p.m.; Remarks at 1:45 p.m.
  • Place: Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette

amanda-elmore

Amanda Elmore and her US Rowing Team earned a GOLD medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Amanda is a graduate of Harrison High School, where she was a member of the band, competed in gymnastics, cross country and track and was valedictorian; and Purdue University, where she was on the Purdue Crew Team and earned many awards and honors.

Both the Harrison High School Raiders and the Purdue Crew Team are great friends of LUM in many ways — especially at Hunger Hike. Purdue Crew Team also supports LUM through their Row-A-Thon fundraising event which this past February donated $8,542 to the LUM Good Samaritan Fund.

There has always been a strong partnership between Purdue University & Hunger Hike. Here is how we connect this year:

  • Keynote: Amanda Elmore
  • Hunger Hike Honorary Co-Chairs: Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach; Dave Kucik, Purdue Rowing Team head coach; and Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach
  • Participating — Teams: Women’s Basketball, Rowing & Crew Team, Volleyball, Track & Field; and spirit squad: Boilermaker Special, Purdue mascot — plus the Purdue Cheerleaders and Purdue Pete will attend and start the event with a spirited cheer
  • Leading the actual Hunger Hike along the Wabash Heritage Trail will be the Purdue Crew Team with their sculls and sweep boats, Purdue Pete & the cheerleaders, the Purdue Volleyball & Women’s Basketball teams

Each Fall for over 50 years Hunger Hike has brought together the entire community—including Purdue—in a common goal of Fighting Hunger. For more information on Hunger Hike 2016, please visit and explore our new website at www.hungerhike.org. Individuals and group may still sign up to participate and business may still become event sponsors.

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Hunger Hike

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 17 & Sunday, September  18, 2016.

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 which dates back to the mid-1960s, 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.”

Purdue Coaches Team Up to Fight Hunger

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Purdue Coaches Team Up to Fight Hunger — Hunger Hike 2016

cochairs
Dave Kucik, Sharon Versyp & Dave Shondell — Hunger Hike Honorary Co-chairs

LogoWest Lafayette, IN – Three prominent Purdue coaches have teamed up to fight hunger by participating and promoting Hunger Hike 2016. Coaches Sharon Versyp (women’s basketball), Dave Shondell (women’s volleyball) & Dave Kucik (rowing & crew) will be speaking out about the issues of hunger in Indiana and encouraging participation in one of the longest running, most well respected fundraising events — Hunger Hike.

Join us for this event; details are as follows:

  • Date: Wednesday, August 24
  • Time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Place: Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette

The Hunger Hike updates which will be announced are as follows:

  • HONORARY CO-CHAIRS: 2016 Co-chairs will offer remarks and be available for questions and one-on-one interviews
    • Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach
    • David Kucik, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach
    • Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach
  • Hunger Hike
    • Kick-off Event — Sunday, September 18, 2 p.m., Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette
    • Hunger Hike 5K Run – Saturday, September 17, 9 a.m., Celery Bog Nature Area (Cattail Trail Loop), Cumberland Avenue, West Lafayette
  • EVENT SPONSORS (to date): Diamond Level — Walmart & Sam’s Club;
    Gold Level — Alcoa, Inc., The Kroger Co., Cook Medical, and Bison Financial Group

Representatives from the three sponsoring organizations, Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & St. Thomas Aquinas Center,  will be available for questions and one-on-one interviews.

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Hunger Hike

For more information on Hunger Hike 2016, please visit our website at www.hungerhike.org.

Contacts:

Joe Micon
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry
765.423.2691
jmicon@lumserve.org

Katy Bunder
Executive Director
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
765.471.0062
kbunder@food-finders.org

Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP
Pastor, Director of Campus Ministry
St. Thomas Aquinas Center
765.743.4652
fatherpatrick@boilercatholics.org

More information:

  • Indiana Hunger Statistics
    • 15.5 percent in the state in 2015 said they were unable to afford enough food
    • One of every 6 children in Indiana is at risk of hunger
    • Proper nutrition is vital to the growth and development of children
    • Research indicates that even mild under-nutrition experienced by children during critical periods of growth impacts behavior, school performance, and their overall cognitive development
  • 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 17 & Sunday, September  18, 2016.
  • 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.”
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Hunger Hike

Top 2015 Hunger Hike Fundraisers Honored

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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.

HH STA top fundraiser   HH CGS top fundraiser   HH SAUMC top fundraiser

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).

HH CSLC-PU top fundraiserThe Top Group Fundraisers—

Computer Science Learning Community at Purdue University—$1,030.

Accepting is their advisor, Scott Nelson (pictured left).

HH FrPatrick top fundraiserThe 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.

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Hunger Hike

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.

  • Hunger Hike Photos — To view, click HERE
  • HH5K Run Photos — To view, click HERE

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.

 

Bethany Inspires Us to Do More for Hunger Hike

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HH logo 2014 SQ no borderHunger 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, 20150914115227312_0001Rev. 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.

unknownLast 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.

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Hunger Hike

To participate as an individual or team fundraiser with Hunger Hike, start HERE.

Hunger Hike Updates & Announcements

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Hunger Hike Updates on construction, new 5K route, honorary co-chairs & event sponsors

HH logo 2014 SQ no borderWest Lafayette, IN – Hunger Hike 2015 is coming up quickly — and a lot has happened in the last few days. Please join us for this Media Event to hear updates on construction, new 5K route, honorary co-chairs & event sponsors. Details are as follows:

  • Date: Tuesday, September 8
  • Time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Place: Riehle Plaza, N 2nd Street, Lafayette

The Hunger Hike updates which will be announced are as follows:

  • CONSTRUCTION – Due to new construction schedules on the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge, the Hunger Hike 3K Walk route has been changed. The Hunger Hike Kick-off event will remain at our traditional location — Riehle Plaza, Lafayette (Sunday, September 20).
  • HONORARY CO-CHAIRS – 2015 Co-chairs will offer remarks and be available for 2013-09-15-hungerhike2013-059-2questions and one-on-one interviews
    • Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball head coach
    • David Kucik, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach
    • Dave Shondell, Purdue Volleyball head coach
  • Hunger Hike 5K Run – Saturday, September 19
    • Hunger Hike is the FIRST official 5K Run on the NEW Cattail Trail Loop in West Lafayette. Mayor John Dennis & Janet Fawley, West Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department Superintendent will make remarks and be available to answer questions.
    • CELEBRITY RUNNERS – Announcement of the HH 5K Run celebrity runners
      • Joe Micon, executive director, LUM
      • Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP – pastor/director of campus ministries, St. Thomas Aquinas Center, West Lafayette
      • Shamus, co-host of the K105 Shamus & Annie Show
      • Rev. Bradley Pace, pastor, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette
  • EVENT SPONSORS — Gold & Silver Level event sponsors will be announced. To date those include Alcoa, Inc., Bison Financial Group, and Evonik Corporation – Tippecanoe Laboratories.

Representatives from the three sponsoring organizations, Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & St. Thomas Aquinas Center,  will be available for questions and one-on-one interviews.

For more information on Hunger Hike 2015, please visit our website at www.hungerhike.org.

benefactors horizontalContacts:
Joe Micon
Executive Director
Lafayette Urban Ministry
765.423.2691
jmicon@lumserve.org

Katy Bunder
Executive Director
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
765.471.0062
kbunder@food-finders.org

Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP
Pastor, Director of Campus Ministry
St. Thomas Aquinas Center
765.743.4652
fatherpatrick@boilercatholics.org

More information:IMG_1573 (2) (1280x1280)

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.”

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