Four-State Run for the Lighthouse

PENSACOLA, FLA (April 15, 2012) – Long distance runner George Melichar will be running from the French Quarter in New Orleans to the Pensacola Lighthouse this July to raise money for the restoration of the Pensacola Lighthouse.

Billed as the 'Krewe du Shoe' Run, Melichar will be running an average of 60 miles per day to cover the total distance of over 230 miles in 4 days on July 24-27. In addition to raising money for the restoration of the Pensacola Lighthouse, George’s run will honor the children attending the Salvation Center School in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This run is also under consideration for a Guinness World Record attempt by George Melichar.

"My passion for running in New Orleans has lead me to serve my community by aiding in recovery." says Melichar, "As I have traveled the world running marathons, I have come to appreciate the city landmarks, the neighborhoods I run through, and the residents’ enthusiasm as I run pass."

According to Melichar his goal is to raise $800,000 needed to repoint or restore the weathered masonry in this historical lighthouse tower to ensure it is around for future generations.


"I also hope that by helping to preserve this historical landmark with my four-state run I will also generate attention to the beauty and tourism opportunities available to Gulf Coast visitors."

In addition to donations, the Pensacola Lighthouse is looking for volunteers to help support Melichar as he makes this historic run from New Orleans, through Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, Mobile, Baldwin County and on to the Pensacola Lighthouse.


You can donate at:
http://www.crowdrise.com/KreweduShoe2012/fundraiser/georgemelichar

You can donate or volunteer at: www.pensacolalighthouse.org

About George Melichar:
In 2009 he retired from his career in commodities at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group and moved to New Orleans where he became involved in the city’s recovery process. After volunteering in the recovery school districts as a volunteer art club teacher and working full-time in the French Quarter, he searched for a broader service opportunity.

When Melichar lived in Chicago he was always a fan of power walking on pedestrian paths along Lake Michigan and now runs everywhere in New Orleans. This activity led to the dedication and passion for running inspired by one of his athletic mentors, Joe Myers. What was intended to be a fitness experiment for his fight with the disease of obesity (he once weighed over 300lbs) has become a call to help others. One of the gratifications he has encountered is now seeing friends locally and internationally become involved in the sport of running.

George Melichar is an impassioned and committed athlete in the sport of running marathons & ultra marathons. His mission is to be an active participant in New Orleans and Gulf Coast recovery, to inspire people to fight obesity, and to be a voice for those in need. His goal is to inspire the people he meets to "be involved" in the communities he runs in, to be the best he can be at his sport, and to mentor children both locally and internationally.

George's Awards:
1996 - Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
2011 - New Orleans 1st "ROCK IDOL" Heavy Medalist
2011 - "Got Milk?" Campaign Team Refuel Member
2012 - Competitor Group R&R Marathon Series honorary "Ambassador of Rock"
2012 - "Got Chocolate Milk?" Campaign Team Refuel Member Athlete of the Month of March
2012 - Maui Jim Sunglasses "Rock Brilliantly" Running Ambassador
2012 - "Got Chocolate Milk?" Campaign Team Refuel Member
2012 - Competitor Group R&R Marathon Series Rock Social Media Team Member
April 2012 - George F. Hixson Fellow recipient awarded by the Kiwanis International Foundation.




About the Pensacola Lighthouse Association: Through a lease with the US Coast Guard, the Pensacola Lighthouse Association (PLA) is solely responsible for the restoration, maintenance and public tour operations of the Pensacola Lighthouse. PLA is a non-profit organization whose goal is to preserve this historic treasure for future generations. Charitable donations are deductible for individuals in the calendar year in which they are given.


The Pensacola Lighthouse is the oldest light station and tallest lighthouse on the U.S.Gulf Coast and it remains an active aid to navigation. Its powerful beacon is visible 27 miles out to sea with a light signature of one white flash every 20 seconds. The construction of the present lighthouse was begun in 1856. It was lit on January 1, 1859 with a first-order Fresnel lens–the largest lens available for seacoast lighthouses.