In this week’s edition of Wes’s Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, invites the community to participate in Hunger Hike this Sunday. Speaking from the local business expo, Wes highlights LUM's ongoing efforts to raise awareness for their mission and emphasizes the need for volunteers and donations. Please take just 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with others. Learn more about Hunger Hike below.

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:

1. Visit HungerHike.org
2. Launch your fundraising journey today by clicking HERE
3. 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!

Want to help

Hunger Hike hit its

$110,000 goal?

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:

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)

With only three days left, there’s still time to join in and make a real difference. Let’s do this together!

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

The kick-off festivities will also showcase the presence of some special guests, including Purdue Pete and the Purdue Crew Team. As if that weren't enough, there will be a range of FREE activities to enjoy, including Zumba sessions, face painting, balloon animals, rides on the Purdue Boilermaker Special, appearances by clowns & princesses, free hot dogs & watermelon courtesy of Meijer, and even soothing massages. Don't miss out on this fantastic start to Hunger Hike!

At 1:45 p.m., a brief ceremony will mark the commencement of Hunger Hike. Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker will sing a stirring rendition of the US National Anthem alongside Kelly Jacobs & Mark Busche. This will be followed by an invocation delivered by Father Bradley Pace from the St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette, IN.

At 2:00 p.m., Hunger Hike 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 route, "hikers" can enjoy live boat demonstrations at the Purdue Boathouse, listen to live music from Sharon McKnight, snack on popsicles, and marvel at a magical performance by Scott Starkey, known as the Wizard of the Wabash. And new this year, those looking to stretch their legs a little more can also take advantage of the extended, more challenging 4.25K route.

At 3:00 p.m., hikers will return to Riehle Plaza where we will conduct a drawing for four $50 Arni’s gift certificates, 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 Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

Hunger Hike 2024 proudly presents its honorary co-chairs, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center, and Jack Kellmanson, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Kellmanson exemplify ideal ambassadors for Hunger Hike. Their commitment to community service, particularly in the realm of supporting food assistance and nutrition programs, is truly commendable. Meet them at the Hunger Hike kick-off event THIS Sunday.