Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville New Orleans To Host 2nd Annual “Big Easy - Big Heart 5K Run”

NEW ORLEANS - Feb. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- Tickets for the 2nd annual Big Easy - Big Heart 5K Run, hosted by Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in New Orleans, are now on sale. The family-friendly run/walk will be held Sunday, March 9, 2014, with the starting line at Margaritaville in the French Quarter. Proceeds from the event will go toward emergency shelter programs, furnishings and supplies needed to run the new 32-bed Women’s Center of the New Orleans Mission, a nonprofit organization that works to provide the homeless with emergency food, shelter, clothing, education opportunities and job placement services.

In addition to the 5K run/walk, there will be music, refreshments and activities for the whole family to enjoy, as well as a post-race party beginning at 8:30 a.m. Those who place in the 5K race will receive Margaritaville merchandise, and commemorative T-shirts will be given to all 5K race registrants. All levels of fitness are welcome.

The goal of the event is to raise $70,000 to serve meals and fund life-saving programs at the New Orleans Mission’s expanded women’s facility that includes 32 new beds, making it one of the city’s largest shelters for homeless and struggling women. The building was recently purchased and renovated thanks to generous donations from the community and Gardner Realtors.

According to the New Orleans Homeless Management Information System's weekly reports: Since 2012, the number of homeless women has increased by 66 percent. There are only three women's shelters totaling 84 beds in New Orleans, and the numbers increase in the summer, during hurricane season, and in winter on extremely cold nights.

Tickets for the event are $30 until March 3^rd, and $35 from March 3^rd through the day of the race. Race organizers are expecting the event to sell out due to initial response for this beautiful course from local runners, Jimmy Buffett's "Parrothead" fans and visitors staying in the area of the French Market. For more information, registration and sponsorship details, visit www.BigEasyBigHeart.com.