Last Monday, January 17th, was the late great Betty White’s 100th birthday. A documentary was screened on her birthday in theaters for one day only. Betty’s premature death and the announcement that her funeral will be private had many folks scrambling to find other ways to celebrate her. Betty’s former agent and friend encouraged her fans to donate to causes that Betty supported. Fans created the #BettyWhiteChallenge hashtag to encourage people to donate at least $5 to their local animal shelters on Betty’s behalf. Pet Alliance animal shelter in Orlando was a beneficiary of the #BettyWhiteChallenge. They announced on Tuesday that they had received more than $50,000 in donations since Betty’s birthday. Below are a few more details from People:
As of Tuesday morning, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando received more than $50,500 in donations as part of the #BettyWhiteChallenge, which encouraged fans to donate to animal causes in honor of what would have been the late star’s 100th birthday, according to Fox 35 News.
The shelter told the Fox affiliate that daily donation averages fluctuate, but last week they averaged around $500 a day.
The #BettyWhiteChallenge began following the TV icon’s death at age 99 on Dec. 31. Fans were called to donate at least $5 to an animal charity of choice on White’s birthday, Jan. 17. The Golden Girls star was a lifelong champion of animal welfare and conservation.
“These are challenging times for the thousands of extraordinary local animal shelters and rescue groups across the United States,” Kitty Block, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement to Fox 35 News. “There could be no better tribute to Betty White than to support them directly with donations, volunteer time and other commitment.”
I always knew Betty’s legacy would outlive her. Betty was such an amazing human being and her lifelong advocacy for animals says a lot about her. I love the fact that GOFUNDME said that they have been seeing an increase donations for animal related charities since Betty’s birthday. I think Betty would have been proud that her activism motivated her fans to also get involved in protecting animals. Pet Alliance said that they had received over $50k in donations by Tuesday, the day after Betty’s birthday. I wonder what that number is now because I am sure people continued donating the entire week. I would also like to know which other animal organizations have received large sums of money in Betty’s honor. This story gave me the warm fuzzies because I am a huge Betty stan. It is good to know that Betty’s life continues to be an inspiration. I hope these donations will not be a one time thing because animals need our support.
This is great. The shelter had a devastating fire recently so this was much needed
The rescues and sanctuaries I’m involved with raised thousands upon thousands, we were in tears. Such a beautiful way to celebrate a life ❤
My local shelter raised $23k and people crashed the website multiple times trying to donate! My little fur monster came from them as they rescue dogs from northern Canada, and my heart was so happy to see how much was raised!
So lovely! I donated 50 to our local Cat Rescue in memory of the last Golden Girl. RIP
What a great story!
This was/is an amazing challenge.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northwest/2022/01/20/betty-white-challenge-raised-136-000-milwaukee-animal-shelters/6577051001/
One of the shelters featured 3 senior pets in need of adoption. Two of three have been adopted so far. Love the last line.
“It is impressive how one person can make a difference nationwide. She was truly inspirational.”
Aw, thank you letting us know, Oya!
I hope this becomes an annual thing. So many shelters in central NY (where I live) received thousands in donations. I
I’m also in CNY! I was so happy to see a few of my favorites, Recycle-A-Bull Bully Breed rescue, Fetch A Friend, and Wanders Rest (3 organizations that I adopted 3 of my pups from) received almost $20,000 combined! Amazing!
I do too! It would be a lovely way to continue to honor such a great person who brought joy to so many.
I follow many local rescues and shelters, and ended up donating small amounts to all of them, LOL. They all did very well and raised a lot of money. Most of them are small, volunteer only rescues, this is huge for them.
I think this is nationwide. shelters in my county were nearing $50,000 a few days ago. I think this was such a great idea, because $5 is such a doable amount. I did $20, 5 each for myself, my partner, my foster dog, and my dog who died last summer.
I love everything about this!
This is wonderful! I had no idea, and am going to jump on this train way late. So glad to see shelters getting much needed support!
I donated $100 to our local shelter where I have adopted all of our pets!! I also issued the donation in Betty Whites Honor as well!! It was the least I could do for her as she brought me so much joy throughout the years! My Mother loved watching the GG’s and I would spend my single Saturday nights with my Mother every Saturday to watch it with her. They were funny then as they are now. I have been rewatching Hot In Cleveland lately as I haven’t watched it in a while. She’s so funny and has such wonderful comedic timing too!! I know that there will never be another Betty White and I think we were lucky to have experienced her in our lifetime.
My local shelter sent us all gentle reminders to give $5 in her honor. I gave more than that. I don’t what the total was for the day but maybe we need an annual Betty White day that’s observed by supporting animals in whatever way we can.
😻🌹
I donated to two local shelters (one for pets & one for wildlife). It felt good. I still get a bit teary thinking about Betty White.
Our local SPCA also announced their windfall – it was pretty impressive & I hope we keep it up.
As of 3 days ago my small town’s local humane society up here in Canada had received almost $21,000 in donations, and said they were still coming in!
That’s wonderful!!!
We should do this every year. So many shelters across the USA got massive donations, it has brought me to tears of happiness several times. ❣️❣️❣️
I agree – an annual ‘Betty White Day’ where everyone is encouraged to donate to animal shelters sounds brilliant.
I’m having money troubles atm but I had to donate just for Betty. $5 is better than nothing right? What a wonderful legacy this woman leaves