CONCORD – Cannon School eighth-grader Joanna Copio, of Davidson, is organizing “Pawz too Run,” a public education campaign to promote responsible pet ownership. The event culminates in April with a 5k race to raise funds for Friends of the Animals, a nonprofit with plans to build a state-of-the-art regional animal adoption and education center.

“I chose to take this on because last year I helped clean cages in a local pet store and, for my history multimedia project in school, I created a presentation about animal abuse throughout the world,” Joanna said in a news release. “It was a real eye-opener for me.”

Last summer, Matt Rush, Cannon School’s head of middle school, challenged students to develop ideas through which they could show leadership and better serve their communities during the school year.

“My goal in coordinating this event is to provide public education on the proper care of domestic animals and to promote responsible pet ownership,” Joanna said.

According to a news release, Friends of the Animals plans to build an animal adoption and education center with a spay/neuter clinic in Mooresville. The new center will serve the region by caring for up to 150 adoptable dogs and cats.

Pawz too Run culminates April 2, a Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., with a 5k on the Davidson Village Green. Dog owners are also invited to participate in a K-9 Dog Walk beginning at 8:15 a.m. Awards will be presented to people and to pets. Family-friendly educational awareness activities and vendor exhibits will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Animals will be available for adoption from rescue organizations.

For event and registration information, visit www.cannonschool.org/pawz or www.FriendsoftheAnimals.net.