Despite below-freezing temperatures, a dog walking fundraiser at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth still attracted close to 70 walkers and plenty of pooches dressed for winter.

Held on November 11, Alpha Sigma Tau’s “Paws for a Cause” charity walk far surpassed the sorority’s $500 fundraising goal, and brought in plenty of donated pet supplies. All proceeds and supplies will be donated to the Humane Society and Shelter - Southcoast's Ventura Drive facility, explained Philanthropy Chair Olivia Metros.

“I adopted a kitten from there six months ago, and I really like animals,” Metros said. When it came time to pick a philanthropy event to host, she was eager to pick an animal-themed event to help support the shelter she adopted Piper from.

The event drew students and pet owners alike. Carol Cabral brought her dog Grady to the walk, and got several of her neighbors and friends to show up with their dogs too after she found the event advertised on Facebook.

Monica Anderson, a student at UMass Dartmouth, brought Beckley along for the walk. Beckley is a shelter dog at Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford, where Anderson volunteers. The chilly weather meant Beckley came along dressed in a sweater for the walk along the university’s trail system.

“Once we got walking it wasn’t too bad,” Anderson added.

Arlene Mulrey, a member of AST’s Bridgewater State University chapter, brought her dog Riley along for the walk.

“I wanted to get him used to other people, and support our sisters in [the UMass Dartmouth chapter],” Mulrey said.