NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library are putting down their books and picking up their running shoes to raise funds in the Crescent City Classic 10k Road Race on Saturday, April 19.
The nonprofit is currently seeking runners and walkers to help them support the New Orleans Public Library’s mission to transform lives, enrich neighborhoods and preserve history. With Executive Director Shannan Cvitanovic at the organization’s helm, this year is the first time the Friends will participate as an official “Run for It” charity organization.
Official Charity Partners recruit and form teams of runners, joggers and walkers who commit to raising a minimum of $200 for their charity by race day. Cvitanovic hopes that Library lovers of all ages and abilities will put their best foot forward to help them achieve their fundraising goal of $10,000. As she puts it, “We’d all rather be reading, but OK!”
“New Orleanians love the Library, and we thought that this would be a great way to gather Library supporters together for a fun day out,” said Cvitanovic. “We’re looking forward to hitting the street and showing just how many people support the library and its programs. Some of us are slow, some are fast, but we all agree on the value of strong public libraries.”
Since 1957, the Friends have helped fund library services, programs and resources – like the beloved Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. All proceeds from the Crescent City Classic will benefit this work, which City Librarian and Executive Director Emily Painton called “hugely impactful.”
“The Friends do so much for the Library every day, year-round, and we are endlessly grateful for their hard work and advocacy,” said Painton. “From funding our youth public transit passes to providing materials for programming, and even helping our staff get a leg up in their careers, the Friends are so incredibly important to our success. We are lucky to be their benefactor, and we’re excited to cheer them on from the sidelines of this fabulous event.”
The event begins at the Superdome at 8 a.m. and ends with a post-race party at City Park. Registration is open now at $45 per runner, which will increase to $50 on April 17. The last day to sign up is April 18. All participants who raise more than $300 for their charity will receive a full refund of their registration.
Other perks include a limited-edition Friends of the New Orleans Public Library t-shirt and Crescent City Classic baseball cap, and entry into Charity Village at the Michelob Ultra RaceFest. Visit ccc10k.com/run-for-it for details and registration.
