Celebrating Volunteers, Member Churches & Franciscan Health

Celebrating Volunteers, Franciscan & More

Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Lots to Celebrate

In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares that LUM has so much to celebrate — including a couple of recent "WALLOPS" like our partnership with Franciscan Health and the talent of Cary Rush and her friends. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. Also, see below for more details.

Meet Mike - the LUM Volunteer of the Month

Michael A. Brown - LUM Superstar Volunteer

Michael A. Brown has been actively involved with LUM for more than two and a half years. He serves on the LUM Board of Directors representing the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County and the Food Programs Review Committee. Michael also is the data-entry volunteer with the Westside Food Pantry and volunteers with the Food Rescue Program. His remarkable dedication, passion for food assistance, leadership marked by good humor, and reliability have earned him the well-deserved honor of LUM Volunteer of the Month.

When reflecting on “what gives him the most pride in volunteering with LUM,” Michael shared that, “LUM gives me a meaningful way to give something to my community and help folks who need it.” He added that, “It feels great to be able to help others. I know it's a cliche, but I get so much more out of it than I put into it.”

Join us in congratulating Michael Brown for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for October 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (765-423-2691 | volunteer@LUMserve.org).

Read more about Michael Brown

Make a Tribute Gift - In Honor of Michael

Cary Rush Cuts the Ribbon on New Exhibit

Photograph Exhibit of LUM Member Churches

In 2012, Cary Griffith Rush, a photographic artist, attended the inaugural LUM gallery opening showcasing the initial installment of her work. The collection, titled This Our Shared Ministry, comprises photos of LUM member churches. Last night, Cary returned for the grand re-opening of the updated exhibit, now featuring more photos and occupying a more prominent location — the LUM main office. {Pictured L to R are Wes Tillett, LUM executive director; Janie Peters, Art of Framing; Cary Rush; and Rena Aiken, Camera Outfitters.}

The LUM Board of Directors and staff express gratitude for Cary Rush's willingness to offer her artistic perspective on the 46 churches representing the mission of LUM. If you're interested in exploring this exhibit, feel free to visit the LUM Office on any weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You won't be disappointed.

Franciscan Health - 30 Year Gift of Linens

LUM Board of Directors Honors Franciscan Health

Last night the LUM Board of Directors honored Franciscan Health for the hospital’s annual donation of 12,000 sets of sheets, blankets and pillowcases to the LUM Emergency Shelter. The hospital has been providing clean linens for the LUM shelter guests for 30 years. Tom Parent, Board Chairman of the Franciscan Western Region Board, attended the meeting to accept the recognition and commemorative plaque on behalf of Franciscan Health. The total value of the in-kind donation to LUM is approximately $300,000 (an estimated in-kind value of about $10,000 per year).

Wes Tillett, LUM executive director stated, “Franciscan Health is making it possible for LUM to provide a safe, warm and clean place to rest – not for the recognition but because they share our mission of honoring the dignity of every human being. Today, we heartily express our gratitude to Franciscan Health for their tremendous, relentless generosity – and want the Greater Lafayette community to be aware of the key role they have played in sheltering our unhoused neighbors for the past three decades."

LUM offers shelter for the unhoused in Tippecanoe County every single night of the year. The laundry service from Franciscan Health drops off clean sheets to the LUM Emergency Shelter three times a week and takes the used sheets to be cleaned. Deb Parent, LUM Board president shared that, "It's hard to imagine how we would manage without this incredible gift." {Pictured L to R: Tom Parent, Board Chairman of the Franciscan Western Region Board and Wes Tillett, LUM executive director.}

DONATE | VOLUNTEER | Prepare Shelter MEALS or TO-GO MEALS

Donate NEEDED ITEMS | Sponsor a COLLECTION DRIVE

Sign up today for the LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run (Thursday, November 23). Make it a new family tradition, wear a fun hat or costume, and have the most fun you can have running on Thanksgiving morning.

| Thursday, November 23 | Cattail Trail Loop, West Lafayette |

| 8:30 a.m. | Registration: $35; $10 Youth | TurkeyTrot5KRun.org |

All proceeds benefit local individuals, families and children through LUM programs and services. If your business or group would like to become an event sponsor, call or email us (765-423-2691 | turkeytrot@lumserve.org).