HOLYOKE, MA (WGGB\/WSHM) – Thursday marks one month until the 4th annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K and Fun Walk, which is set for Saturday, May 2nd. The event, named in honor of auto dealer Gary Rome\u2019s dog Jack, Thomas J O\u2019Connor Animal Control and raises money for animals in need at the adoption center in Springfield. <\/p>\n
For anyone who\u2019s ever been rescued by a pet\u2019s love, they know how much an animal\u2019s health matters. In it\u2019s fourth year of helping the furry friends of Springfield, the TJO Jack Rome 5K aims to get those pets the care they need. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our biggest fundraiser of the year by far. We have gotten to around $50,000 before. We\u2019re hoping to get back to that,\u201d said Executive Director Janna Brown.<\/p>\n
TJO is committed to helping pet owners pay for vet care and technicians, as well as medical operations and equipment. This year\u2019s theme of superheroes encourages the runners to dawn a cape or dress as their favorite character, and kids can also design their own masks. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re kind of telling people that you\u2019re walking in honor of your animals who have been heroes in your life, but we\u2019re also trying to be heroes for the animals still in need,\u201d Brown said. <\/p>\n
As usual, there is fun for all ages. Including a row of food trucks and bubble soccer for kids. Plus, a handful of local animal resources and community partners. Gary Rome says the goal is simple; have fun, honor Jack\u2019s memory, and raise money for a worthy cause, \u201cIt\u2019s great, you know, when he passed four years ago, I received 8,000 messages, cards, and emails. They grew up with Jack, so it really made an imprint. I\u2019m glad we can use his memory as a springboard to raise awareness for TJO. <\/p>\n
If you want to register, you can visit TJO\u2019S website, and choose from a timed 5K, a 1 mile walk, or new this year, the cat nap, for those who can\u2019t attend but would still like to donate. this time next month, they\u2019re hoping for a big turnout, and even bigger support for the animals who need it the most.<\/p>\n
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