An annual fundraiser to benefit the city’s Special Populations will feature a new twist this year.

Hosted by the Guardian Angels for Special Populations, the 6th Annual Snowman Shuffle Fun Walk will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center, with registration at 8 a.m. This year, a 5K Run for Special Populations will kick off at 8 a.m., with check-in set at 7 a.m.

Vince Marcucci, president of the Guardian Angels, explained that organizers wanted to host a race years ago when the fundraiser was founded, but they decided on a walk so everyone could take part.

“We did the walk for our guys,” he said, referring to the participants in the Special Populations programs. “When we found more and more 5Ks were getting popular, we decided to give it a try.”

The 5K will be a chip-timed raced, but people are welcome to walk the race.

“It’s through nice quiet neighborhoods,” Marcucci said.

Trophies and medallions will be given to the best overall and by age groups based on sex.

“They’re all custom-made for our event,” he said.

Registration is $20 in advance or $25 day of and includes an event T-shirt.

Advance registrations will be taken at the Special Pops facility until today at 4 p.m.

The registration fee for ages 18 and under is $15, regardless.

“They’re all entitled to a shirt,” Marcucci said.

Last year, the Fun Walk raised approximately $5,000 for Special Populations.

“Anything to beat it would be great,” he said of this year’s goal.

There is no fee to participate in the walk, but participants are asked to raise money.

“If they’d like to make a donation, we’d appreciate that,” Marcucci said.

For $20, Fun Walk participants can receive an event T-shirt.

Prizes will be awarded to the individual and to the team to raise the most money. The individual will receive a Samsung Galaxy tablet, while the team will win a $250 gift certificate to Foster’s Grille.

As of Thursday, about 75 walkers had signed up and around 65 runners had registered.

“Because people don’t really register for the walk, it’s usually way more on the day,” he said.

Both runners and walkers will be treated to a free continental breakfast afterward.

Again this year, people can sign up their dog to participate in the walk.

“We still invite dogs for the doggie stroll,” Marcucci said.

“We’ve had a big following every year,” he added.

For $10, a dog can get an “I Woof Special Pops” bandana.

The dog to raise the most funds will take home a basket of canine-related goodies.

“We’re hoping it’ll be a good turnout,” Marcucci said.

“The weather looks like it’s going to be good,” he added.

Following the 5K and Fun Walk, there will be music, face painting and more.

Marcucci encouraged the public to swing by and check it out.

“They may have never heard about the program,” he said of Special Populations. “It’s a quick way to talk a walk and meet some new friends. They’re contributing to help neighbors with special needs.”

Currently, there are about 96 individuals enrolled in the Special Populations day program. Another estimated 60 individuals take part in the after-school and evening social programs and special events. Special Populations focuses on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or both.

Attendees are welcome to buddy up with a program participant for the Fun Walk.

“This way it gives our guys heightened self esteem that they’re included,” Marcucci said.

“It’s a nice intermingling with people in the community,” he added.

For more information, visit: www.myspecialpops.org/ .

The Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center is at 410 Santa Barbara Blvd.