JoAnne Worley and Loretta Swit were among the celebrities who began a campaign on social media called the #BettyWhiteChallenge in honor of Betty White’s 100th birthday.
The comedic actress died on New Year’s Eve, just weeks before her centennial celebration of January 17th—but because she is so beloved, the campaign has taken flight to raise millions for animals.
Actors & Others For Animals, the charity for which she served on the Board of Directors, launched the campaign asking for donations of $100 for Betty’s 100th birthday.
Dozens of other groups benefitted, too, as the public began sending in money to local shelters in Ms. White’s name.
Almost 400,000 people used Facebook and Instagram to donate to the challenge, raising an incredible $12.7 million dollars for animal shelters and rescuers all over the country—with 100% of the pledges going directly to the organizations.
Two Philadelphia shelters brought in $100,000; a Los Angeles zoo charity got $70,000; an Arkansas shelter was flooded with over $12,000; and Dubuque, Iowa shelters received $13,000.
Betty had prepared a video to share on her 100th birthday which was recorded just days before her death. Her team posted the video on her Instagram page as a farewell greeting for her fans.
“I just want to thank you all for your love and support over the YEARS. Thank you so much, and stick around!”
Her team added an update from the #BettyWhiteChallenge to the posted video, “As we continue to see numbers coming in from all over the world, it’s just absolutely amazing how much money all of you raised for animals.”
WATCH the video…
HOWL Your Love for Animals By Sharing This on Social Media…
Blessings to you, Miss Betty!!! Because of the outpouring of Love to Betty White, people around the world (even from Sweden) have be offering donations to my Rescue/sanct….. Wanagi Wolf Rescue in New Mexico.
I am completely blown away by the ripple effect this has had. Thank you, Betty White, for your constant love, care & respect you have for animals. It just goes to show us all that a beautiful act of kindness —no matter how small or big—can travel world-wide & open people’s hearts.
Thank you, Betty White.
Your kindness & love will live on….always & forever. :>)