WILBRAHAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Hundreds of runners, walkers, and animal lovers will gather at Fountain Park in Wilbraham on Saturday for the fourth annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K and Fun Walk.

The event is named after Jack Rome, a beloved dog who passed away a little more than four years ago. The pet meant a lot to his owner, Gary Rome, and many others in the area. “I want to keep his memory alive, and what better way to do that and do something great for a great cause than to have this event,” Gary Rome said.

At least 320 people are either running or walking, a six percent jump from last year. Organizers believe that number will increase before the event begins.

Every dollar raised from registration fees, donations, and sponsorships goes directly to the Foundation for TJO Animals’ mission of providing critical veterinary care and enrichment for animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. “You can just see the emotion on everybody’s faces. Everyone feels good to be doing something for such an incredible charity like TJO and helping animals in Western Mass.,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals and Western Mass News First Alert meteorologist. “Seeing everyone come out together for the same goal and the same purpose is really heartwarming.”

This year’s event took eight to 12 months of planning and will be larger than ever before. More than 30 vendors and five food trucks will be lined up, as well as the return of bubble soccer.

Pets will get superhero bandanas and there is plenty of fun for everyone. “We want people to wear costumes if they can. We have a lot of cool things for kids, including a meet and greet with Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen and also Paw Patrol members,” Brown added. “There is a ‘Design Your Own Superhero’ mask and cape for the kids that’s free. There’s free games.”

Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised so far, with more money expected to come in. “My staff has been working around the clock to make sure that this goes off without a hitch and we’re pumped,” Brown explained. “We hope everybody comes out and helps support the animals at TJO.”

Rome noted Jack would have been thrilled to see many people come together for him and love every minute of it. As someone who adopted Jack when he was a puppy, he said this mission is personal and meaningful. “There’s a lot of people out there that don’t have the means, the ability, or the know-how to how to take care of their animals,” he explained. “So it’s really important that we do this and raise the money so that we can give the medical need/necessary treatment to animals that are in need and help them find their forever home.”

Registration is available until just before 1 p.m. Saturday. Donations will be accepted throughout the event day. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the 5K and fun walk beginning at 1 p.m. You can CLICK HERE for more information.