Registration continues for second annual Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The countdown is on for this year’s Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run to help benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals.

In 2023, Western Mass News employees picked the foundation as our station charity. The foundation is a local non-profit that raises funds throughout the year to help animals that come into the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield.

“As a municipal animal control center, and we have a good one, they’re still only able to provide a certain amount of services from taxpayer dollars for animals that come into the center each year and there’s thousands. The foundation’s mission is to help to provide veterinary services, veterinary equipment, veterinary staffing…they go over and above what the municipal dollars pay for to help save the lives of animals in our community,” said Candy Lash, member of the foundation’s board of directors.

Western Mass News and the foundation had an idea to start a new fundraiser and decided on a 5k. At the time, a local animal celebrity, Jack Rome, had recently passed away and the decision was made to dedicate the event to him and all who’ve lost a beloved animal.

“The main reason I initially got involved was I wanted to keep our dog, Jack Rome, who passed away almost two years ago, to keep his memory alive and what better way to do that than support a charity like TJO,” said Gary Rome, president of Gary Rome Auto Group.

With the fundraising strength of Gary Rome Auto Group and promotion from Western Mass News, the first annual Jack Rome Memorial Walk/Run became a huge success and raised over $38,000.

“With the help of Gary Rome and other corporate sponsors who have joined on for this event, have such a great impact in helping the Foundation for TJO Animals do more for animals and people in our community and we’re very grateful,” Lash added.

This year, the second annual event be held in early May to coincide with the first day of International Be Kind to Animals Week.

“So events like these are very important because we get over 3,000 every year and we are seeing an uptick in medically and behaviorally challenged animals, so any time you’re donating, you’re helping the animals in your own community with these types of issues,” said Hannah Cahillane, acting executive director of the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

Helping animals and your local shelter is the main focus of Be Kind to Animals Week and what this event strives to do. It will feature a new 10k race this year, as well as the 5k and one mile walk options. After the race, winners are awarded prizes and the after-party will include raffles, food trucks, over 20 vendors, and music from DJ Leah Rantz.

Registration is open, but getting a T-Shirt is only guaranteed through Sunday, April 29. For more information or to register, you can CLICK HERE.