The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) hosts its 16th Annual 5K Race/Walk and Doggie Fun Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 18, at Cooper River Park, in Cherry Hill. AWA counts on the funds raised to provide shelter and medical care to more than 2,000 homeless dogs and cats that the organization cares for until they are adopted every year. The event raised $72,000 last year, making it the highest grossing event in AWA history, and this year’s goal is set for $100,000.

Post-race activities for fundraising teams include annual pet-companion fair games and dog contests (best costume, best kisser, cutest couple and more), vendor booths offering lunch options and pet-related shopping, plus entertainment featuring police working dogs as well as The Jersey Disc Devils and Their High Flying K-9 Athletes. Several rescue groups and nonprofit shelters will display animals available for adoption. Red Bank Veterinary Hospital will lead educational workshops including emergency preparedness. AWA celebrates its 65th year of serving the community at 1:00 p.m. complete with cake, ice cream and gifts for its four-legged participants.

AWA—a private, nonprofit that is nationally recognized for its innovative programs—is funded completely through donations from friends and supporters. In 2012, nearly 20,000 pets were helped through AWA’s progressive, no-kill programs: 1900 were adopted, 11,000 were spayed or neutered and 4500 were given vaccines and basic care.

Location: Cooper River Park Stadium, N. Park Dr. and McClellan St., Cherry Hill. For more information or to register, call 856-424-2288, ext. 113, e-mail [email protected]  or visit awanj.org.