Council hears pitches for PhilFest 5K and UNITE crawfish fundraiser, approves PhilFest date

Organizers of two community fundraisers briefed the Harahan City Council on Feb. 20 and asked for city assistance in promotion, logistics and attendance.

Jacob Degree and Phil Degree described PhilFest, a sunset 5K and festival run by the nonprofit Running for Dreams that benefits children who have lost a parent to cancer. PhilFest is set for April 5; organizers said the run was moved from its prior Saint Rita location to the former Colonial Country Club at 98 Fortier Lane. Jacob Degree said the group raised about $15,000 last year and has already issued several grants. “Last year, we did really good for a year. We raised about $15,000,” he said.

Degree said registration is higher this year than at the same point in 2024 and that current entry is $35, rising to $40 on March 5 and to $45 on race day; the kids’ one‑mile fun run is $15. He said the event needs more local sponsors and city help with promotion and traffic/barricade support.

Adrienne Jewett and Lisa McKenzie presented UNITE’s Crawfish and Toss tournament, a separate fundraising event that supports local women recovering from cancer. Lisa McKenzie asked the council to attend and support the event, saying it would “bring the community together” and that the tournament will include a 4 p.m. “Battle of the Brass” feature.

The council officially approved PhilFest for April 5 and said staff will coordinate police and traffic support as details are finalized. Council members encouraged organizers to supply final logistics to the police department and city staff for barricades and traffic control.