South Florida Animal Rescues Combine Fashion and Adoption in Unique Fundraiser

Two South Florida animal rescue organizations are collaborating on an innovative fundraising event that merges fashion shopping with animal adoption opportunities. PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary and Abandoned Pet Rescue will host the Thrifty Kitty Pop-Up Boutique on September 30, coinciding with National Happy Cat Month while advancing their shared mission of providing second chances for animals in need.

The event enables community members to shop for men's and women's fashion while directly supporting animal rescue efforts through the unique Buy-A-Bag, Fill-A-Bag program. Attendees can purchase full bags for $50 or half bags for $25, with proceeds equally divided between both organizations. Luxury brands and wedding dresses will be available for purchase at thrift pricing outside the bag program structure.

Michelle Schecht, Executive Director of PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, noting that partnering with Abandoned Pet Rescue creates twice the impact for animals in need. Every bag purchased helps provide cats and dogs with a second chance at life while connecting potential adopters with their future companions during the event.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to meet adoptable cats and dogs throughout the event, with adoption applications available on-site. The evening begins with a sneak peek from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by general admission from 5 to 8 p.m. at PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary's Oakland Park location. Additional event details can be found at https://www.purrr.org/event/thrifty-kitty-pop-up-boutique-september-2025/.

This collaboration represents a significant partnership between two established animal welfare organizations with complementary strengths. PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary, founded in 2018, focuses on transforming cats' lives through rescue, adoption, and spay/neuter initiatives. Abandoned Pet Rescue, established in 1996, is one of South Florida's largest no-kill shelters, having provided comprehensive care for more than 10,000 dogs and cats over the past decade.

The event's importance extends beyond immediate fundraising, as it brings together two organizations to address animal overpopulation and homelessness in South Florida through combined resources and community outreach. By engaging the community directly in their mission, both groups can maximize their impact and continue their lifesaving work through sustainable funding models that benefit the broader animal welfare ecosystem.