In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares his excitement for We've Got Talent, an exciting fundraiser for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more We've Got Talent information and a link to purchase your tickets. Reserve your seat or table today. Fewer than 60 tickets are available!

Join LUM for We've Got Talent, an amateur talent competition featuring a panel of expert judges, live performances, refreshments, and a few surprises.

• DATE – Friday, April 11
• TIME -Doors open – 5:45 p.m., show starts 6:30 p.m.
• PLACE – St. Andrew United Methodist Church, West Lafayette, Indiana
• DONATION – $35 per person; $280 per table (max. 8)

The best part? Every dollar raised supports the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, which helps local families stay in their homes and keep the lights on. In 2024, LUM provided more than $118,000 in financial assistance, offering stability and hope to those facing hardship.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment and good food while making a meaningful impact. Your support helps ensure more families can avoid eviction and utility disconnection. Reserve your seat or table today. Fewer than 60 tickets are available!

LUM is pleased to highlight the talented individuals performing at We've Got Talent. To learn more about each participant, please click HERE.

• Rob Ford: singer
• Lafayette Flute Choir: instrumental ensemble
• Sharon McKnight: singer, songwriter & guitarist
• Kory Pritchett: singer & guitarist (last year's runner-up)
• Cy Rangel: alto & tenor saxophonist
• Desmine Robinson: spoken word poet
• Diane Shockey: singer
• Bruce Ward: break dancer
• Onyx Uzomah: singer (last year's winner)

If you are unable to attend but wish to support the LUM Good Samaritan Fund, you may make a contribution by clicking the button below. Together, we can make a meaningful difference while recognizing remarkable talent. Reserve your seat or table today. Fewer than 60 tickets are available!

LUM is excited to about the panel of judges for the We’ve Got Talent event on Friday, April 11. They are as follows:



• Kitty Campbell – Leadership Lafayette Executive Director. Kitty, who studied music at Millikin University, is a jazz musician and passionate about the arts.
• Tim Brouk – As a journalist, Tim has covered the arts and entertainment scene in Lafayette for 25 years, with both the Journal & Courier and Based in Lafayette, and performed in numerous rock bands over the years.
• Angel Valentín – Director of the LUM Financial Assistance Program & Wabash Township Trustee
• Vickie Maris – Singer-songwriter Vickie will perform at the Delphi Opera House (4/12) and Purdue Summer Concert Series in July.

Our distinguished panel of judges will enjoy front-row seats for this premier event and will select the 2025 We’ve Got Talent winners at the conclusion of the show. Reserve your seat or table today. Fewer than 60 tickets are available!

This Saturday morning, Purdue Crew will compete against the University of Minnesota in a duel race on the Wabash River. The event is FREE and open to the public. Spectators can watch from the banks of the river, with Mascouten Park offering the best vantage point. This marks a return to racing on the Wabash, with hopes of making it an annual event.

LOCATION: Mascouten Park, 900 S River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906

SCHEDULE:

• THIS Saturday, March 29; 8 a.m. – 2000 meter races; Noon – 500M sprints

Purdue Crew has been a longtime supporter of Lafayette Urban Ministry. Each winter, proceeds from their Row-A-Thon event make up the largest single donation to the LUM Good Samaritan Program. They have also been the most consistent supporter of the annual Hunger Hike fundraiser, which benefits all LUM food programs, including the LUM Protein Food Pantry. Please consider attending this historic race and supporting Purdue Crew.

The LUM After School Program provides a safe and nurturing environment for children, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. One of the essential elements of this program is providing healthy snacks to keep our students energized and focused. LUM is reaching out to our community for donations of snacks and other essential items to support this important program. While cash donations are preferred because they allow LUM to purchase exactly what is needed when it’s needed, donations of physical items are also greatly appreciated.

Favorite Snack Donations

for LUM Youth Programs



Healthy Snacks

• Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, etc.)
• Carrots (snack size)
• Sliced Apples (snack size)
• Peanut Butter
• Yogurt cups, Applesauce cups, Fruit cups
• Pudding cups, Gelatin cups
• String Cheese

Snack Bars & Single-Serve Pouches

• Bars: Granola Bars, Fruit Bars, Breakfast Bars, Cereal Bars, Rice Krispies Treats
• Pouches: Goldfish, Chex Mix, Zoo Animal Crackers, Cheez-Its, Fruit Snacks, Pirate Booty

Beverages

• 100% Fruit Juice, Milk, Water

Top Needed Items

for all LUM programs

1. Toilet Paper
2. Paper Towels
3. Bleach (Clorox)
4. Trash Bags (13 & 55-gallon)
5. Disinfectant Spray
6. Disinfectant Wipes
7. Toilet Cleaner, Glass Cleaner & All-Purpose Cleaner
8. Coffee, creamer, sugar packets

Ways to Donate

• DROP OFF or ship items to the LUM Office: 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
• SHIP from Amazon – Check out the LUM Amazon Wish List, order online, and have donations shipped directly to LUM
• Make a MONETARY donation – Cash donations enable LUM to buy fresh and perishable items for the children

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your generosity ensures that children in our community have access to the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for supporting LUM Youth Programs.

From now until April 30, every donation to the LUM Immigration Clinic will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $16,000, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Your contribution during the IC Match Campaign will have double the impact—please donate today to support this vital work.