Chicopee’s Thriller 5K raises funds for TJO Animals

Costume runners took over Chicopee this morning for the Chamber of Commerce's annual Thriller 5K. 22 News reporter Sarah Benamé was there to join the Halloween fun. Happy Halloween! On Halloween, kids are usually trick-or-treating, but this time around, they're kicking the holiday off with a Thriller 5K. And it wasn't Michael Jackson's Thriller, but more like thrills on the streets of Chicopee. The Thriller 5K was inspired by the Chamber of Commerce wanting to come together, also support a non-profit that is part of our community. Now, in the sixth year, you see everything from Finding Nemo to a mummy and even a rotisserie chicken. She just drags me along for this. We've done pretty well in the costumes contest in the past, but this is the first time we had a little late idea. It also looked like the Grinch stole more than Christmas this year. We needed something that he can get involved in. Alongside Cruella De Vil was one of the many Dalmatians, and instead of chasing puppies, everyone was running to help them. At one of our board meetings, we put in the different non-profits, and depending on the top rated one, that's usually the one that we go with. This year, the members chose to donate half of the event's proceeds to the Foundation for TJO Animals to help more homeless animals receive veterinary care and other supports. Their goal is to always raise $5,000. We were pumped. The money that we collect is going to go toward our mission, which is funding the in-house TJO Clinic. We're also looking to do a clinic expansion to offer community spay-neuter services sometime next year. The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center serves Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee. This happens to be my ward, so it's always awesome when we come out as a community and get people involved. And for me, owning rescue dogs, the benefit going to TJO, that's huge for me. And next to Grisey Funeral Home, a coffin was set up to collect donations for the foundation's Pet Food Pantry Initiative, a cause close to many other pet parents. I had two German Shepherds that passed, and we want to make sure that we can... Provide some funds for people. Working for you, Sarah Bename, 22 News.