27-04-2025
Hampden DA and CrossFit host charity fundraiser for TJ O'Connor
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Hampden County District Attorney called on all animal lovers and fitness fans alike on Sunday.
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni is using his gym to not only get fit, but to give back, and 80 other athletes joined him in hour-long workout sessions.
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'Got some rowing in, some burpees in, a light dumbbell for people, and then a more challenging gymnastics workout with a lot of scaling options, which is what CrossFit is all about,' said Bree Wiater, owner of CrossFit Rift Valley.
It's all for the second annual charity fundraiser hosted by Gulluni and the owners of CrossFit Rift Valley in West Springfield.
'Of course, for the Thomas J. O'Connor Foundation to help animals, to prevent cruelty, make sure that animals are cared for in our region,' Gulluni said.
DA Gulluni is hoping they can raise thousands of dollars to support the homeless animals at the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. That money would go towards offsetting emergency surgeries, salaries of some of the employees, and any medical expenses that the city of Springfield cannot provide. This is why people of all skill levels joined in on Sunday.
'I have a dog, I volunteered actually my whole life in the Marines down in Ozone County, Jacksonville for animal shelters,' said CrossFit member Jordan Majane. 'So any way that we can get some recognition to getting some dogs some homes, I'm completely happy with it, I support that.'
Fitness fans weren't the only ones supporting the cause. If attendees weren't into working out, there were 14 local food trucks, vendors, and even raffles available at the event.
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