In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, expresses his enthusiasm for Hunger Hike and extends a warm invitation for YOUR participation. He takes a moment to extend gratitude to local businesses for their invaluable support of Hunger Hike, as well as the broader LUM mission. Please take 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Read more about Hunger Hike below.

Take action NOW and begin your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike 2023, 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:

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!

Duane Sellers is the LUM Volunteer of the Month for September. He is being honored for his active involvement with the Hunger Hike Fundraising Committee, Jubilee Christmas, and serving meals at the Emergency Shelter.

Duane's outstanding commitment, impressive fundraising achievements, understated leadership, and unwavering reliability have earned him the distinction of being named the LUM Volunteer of the Month.

Duane encourages others to volunteer with LUM, stating that,"Whatever your passion is for helping your neighbor, you can find that niche at LUM. They have SO MANY wonderful programs where volunteers are needed. The rewards you’ll reap from your involvement will exceed your expectations." {Pictured are Duane at Hunger Hike with his best friend & partner, Jane, and their grandchildren.}

Join us in congratulating Duane Sellers for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for September 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website. To read more about Duane, click HERE.

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 Boilermaker Special, appearances by clowns and princesses, 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 Fred Koning. This will be followed by an invocation delivered by Reverend Jennie Barrington from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County.

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. The journey culminates at Riehle Plaza with a Meijer picnic featuring hot dogs, chips, and bottled water.

Hunger Hike represents not only a vital fundraising initiative but also a vibrant community celebration. The event serves as a platform to raise 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 2023 proudly presents its honorary co-chairs, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center, and Nathan Walker, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker exemplify ideal ambassadors for Hunger Hike. They consistently raise the bar, both in their personal endeavors and in leading their respective students. Their commitment to community service, particularly in the realm of supporting food assistance and nutrition programs, is truly commendable.

Don't miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Anne Marie Edwards & Coach Nathan Walker at the Hunger Hike kick-off event THIS Sunday at 1:45 p.m. (Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN).