Over 100 people, some accompanied by their dogs and cats, spent Saturday evening walking, mingling, holiday shopping and noshing from food trucks—all in the name of fundraising for San Gabriel Valley's largest animal shelter, Pasadena Humane Society (PHS).

Spearheaded by Jin Kim, owner of Common Threads Studio and involving a few other Mission Street shop owners, including Samantha Knight of Abuelitas Knitting & Needlepoint and Tamra Tolkin of Zinnia, the event Common Rally was the area's first community fundraiser for the animal organization. It also showcased many local artisans from around Los Angeles and included a silent art auction, free gifts, ornament making and a pet photo booth.

"The purpose of this event is to raise money for our local Humane Society," says Kim, who brought along her rescued Bichon-Terrier mix, Luca. "I'm hoping the community will rally to show support not only for PHS, but for our local businesses."

During hard times, it's crucial to support small businesses, said Kim, who encouraged people to shop locally and buy from independent artists. "People will be giving twice, once for the local businesses and artisans, and since we'll be giving back to PHS—their money is spread further versus if they were to shop at some major chain store," says Kim, who decided to do the fundraiser during the holiday season when people are already shopping and are in the mood of giving.

In total, with a portion of sales from vendors and store's donations, Common Rally raised an estimated $250 to $300.

Many participants were owners of adopted pets (some from PHS) or were long-time shelter advocates. Tolkin keeps an open-pet policy when it comes to her shop, Zinnia—evidenced by her shop cat, Alley, a rescue she found in a nearby alley. Tolkin was quickly sold on the idea of a fundraiser for animals when Kim approached her.

"It's an idea Kim started," says Tolkin. "We're all huge animal friends so I was definitely supportive as far as helping each other as a community and bringing people out for a good cause like the Humane Society."

Shooting portraits for over a dozen owners and their pets, South Pasadena resident and photographer Mieke Kramer admitted to having seven pets, some from PHS. "Our family has always been active with animal rescue and this event is fun and for a good cause," she said. For every $10 photo, $5 went towards the fundraiser.

"We brought our five-month-old King Charles Cavalier, Charlie," says Charlotte Park, vendor and owner of Cake Pop. Park and her husband, Brian, are Culver City natives and enjoyed meeting the South Pasadena community, which bought over half their cupcakes. Vendor Garin Hussenjian of Ginko Papers, an Art Center alumna and former Pasadena resident, jumped at Kim's opportunity to revisit the area. "A big selling point to be here was to be involved with PHS," says Hussenjian, an owner of an adopted dog. Plus, she notes, "just driving here made me happy, I just love seeing the San Gabriel Mountains."

Other vendors included Vivian Sky, Pretty Little Things, Molly Schulman and Venius.

For Kim, Common Rally was a perfect, fun social setting to meet people and make a difference for some well-deserving animals. "PHS is a no-kill shelter, which means they need more support as far as volunteers, room for animals, everything," she says. "The holiday season is perfect for adopting these cute animals so they can spend it with a loving family."