Hunger Hike 2017 – 25 Years Celebrated
Beautiful Day – Lively Crowd – Important Cause
Hunger Hike participants gathered this past Sunday to 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.
This year was extra special because Hunger Hike 2017 is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. To help us celebrate, remarks and well wishes were offered by State Senator Ron Alting, State Representative Sheila Klinker, State Representative Sally Siegrist, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, Tippecanoe Superior Court Judges Steve Meyer & Sean Persin as well as representatives from our sponsoring organizations — Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry; Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, St. Thomas Aquinas Center and Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
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 Rat Pak Mobile DJs, face-painting & balloon animals from the Unlimited Smiles Clown Ministry, and massages from Lee Anne Akers of Essential Touch Massage. Although Honorary Co-chair Dave Kucik, Purdue Crew coach, was not able to join us this year, Jason Mitchell, the assistant coach, and the entire team were in attendance.
The Honorary Co-chair Sharon Versyp, Purdue Women’s Basketball coach, fired up the crowd before they set off on the 3K hike for hunger. Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, Purdue Crew Team and Purdue Women’s Basketball Team 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 (courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, Frito Lay & Aqua Systems).
Hunger Hike once again successfully brought much needed attention & funds to the battle against malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger.